Montgomery County Sheriff's Office talks workplace safety

CHRISTIANSBURG (WSLS 10) - Police in the New River Valley are using Tuesday's FreightCar America shooting as one example of why it is important for businesses and organizations to have a disaster plan in place.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office gives safety presentations and personalized security plans to workplaces and churches across the county.

Officers said this type of training was not commonplace until recent years. Now, they stress the importance of having a plan and practicing that plan with repetition.

"Have some type of emergency response plan in place," said Lt. James Bowyer. "Train workers or members of organization in that response plan, and conduct drills. Practice, practice, practice."

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office also just launched a business watch program, which works similarly to the neighborhood watch effort.

For more information on how you can get a safety presentation at your business, church or organization, call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 540-382-4343.