Flags in Georgia will fly at half-staff to mourn the victims of the deadly school shootings in Connecticut.

Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed an order Friday requiring that U.S. and state flags be lowered at state buildings and grounds until sunset on December 18.

Deal says the residents of Georgia share the grief of the family and friends of those who were killed and injured in Newtown, Connecticut.

Authorities are also taking extra precautions at schools in the metro Atlanta area in the wake of the shooting.

Gwinnett County Police announced they're planning to provide extra presence in and around schools to prevent copy-cat incidents.

Connecticut police say 28 people died in the shootings Friday, including the gunman, who committed suicide. Authorities say the gunman killed his mother at home before heading to the school.

Tags: Governor Nathan Deal, Connecticut School Shooting, Newtown, Sandy Hook Elementary School