More than 65 officers, including foot and air patrols and use of search dogs, this morning continued looking for two prisoners who escaped from Forest Hays Jr. State Prison in Chattooga County, Ga., on Monday.

Johnny Mack Brown, 53, and Michael A. Tweedel, 48, escaped during a recreation period Monday morning by breaching a fence, according to a statement today from the Georgia Department of Corrections.

Authorities said the search teams continue to focus in the Spring Creek area of northern Chattooga County, and just northeast of Trion, Ga., where the prison is located.

“We will be here as long as necessary for us to apprehend the inmates, and all resources of the department will be utilized,” said Rick Jacobs, director of special operations for the Department of Corrections.

Officials are asking residents of the Spring Creek area to be cautious, report any unusual activity to local law enforcement. Residents should also lock cars and homes, avoid isolated areas and secure any personal weapons, according to the statement.

“Our priority is the safety and security of this community. All resources are dedicated to this intensive manhunt and we expect to apprehend these felons quickly,” Corrections Commissioner James E. Donald said in the prepared statement.

A preliminary investigation shows that the prison’s perimeter detection system did function appropriately, officials said steps were taken to correct the problem and prevent similar incidents, according to the release.

Since the escapes, “The prison is on lockdown, no one is coming in or out,” said Kristen Stancil, a Corrections Department spokeswoman.

Hays Prison is a close security prison, one step below maximum security. Close security prison means inmates are considered an escape risk, have a history of violent crime and may face serious crime charges in other jurisdictions, Ms. Stancil said.

Mr. Brown was serving a life sentence for crimes including armed robbery, car hijacking and aggravated assault. He is white, 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 149 pounds and has a scar on his back and right thigh.

Mr. Tweedel was serving two 10-year sentences for armed robbery. He is white, 5 feet 6 inches, and weighs 153 pounds.

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