Fire Procedures | BEAP
Pre-Planning For A Fire
- Familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes for all floors in Memorial Hall.
- Locate the nearest fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers from your work area and know how to operate them. If you would like additional training in the use of portable fire extinguishers, contact the Environmental Safety Office.
- Be aware of your surroundings while visiting other areas in the building and take note of the nearest exits.
- Know the sound of the building fire alarm system so you know when to take action if the fire alarm system is activated.
- Keep office exits and hallways free of obstructions.
- Maintain current phone lists of all office staff members.
- Participate and engage in all planned fire drills.
What To Do In Case Of A Fire
- Evacuate the building immediately. When the fire alarm is activated, evacuation is mandatory. Always assume an actual fire or emergency exists. Take personal belongings with you (identification, keys, wallet, etc.).
- Do not use the elevators.
- Notify the UGA Police at 911 immediately. Remain calm, give your name and the location of the fire (room number and what is burning, if known). The University Police Department will notify all appropriate agencies to respond to the emergency. University police officers will also be dispatched to the building.
- Make an announcement in all occupied areas for individuals to move immediately, but without panic, to the nearest exit.
- Meet with students and staff at the established outside evacuation locations. Never re-enter the building until you are given an “all clear.”
Exiting The Building With Caution
- If you are in the building when a fire alarm sounds, remain calm. Proceed to the nearest exit immediately. If the door is closed in the room in which you are located, do not open the door. Feel the knob and the upper part of the door for heat.
- If the knob and/or door are cool to the touch, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly. Check the conditions in the hallway. If the hallway does not contain excessive smoke and heat, proceed to the nearest exit with caution.
- If the knob and/or door are hot, or even warm to the touch, do not open the door. There is a good chance that the fire is in the hallway near your room and your probability of reaching an exit is very slim. Look for another way out of the room. If you are unable to locate another exit, remain in the room. Stuff the cracks around the door with any available items (towels, clothes, rugs, etc.) to keep out as much heat and smoke as possible.
- If you are trapped in a room where there is excessive fire and smoke in the hallway, let emergency responders know by calling the UGA Police to advise them of your location.
Evacuating People With Disabilities
- It is recommended that any person with a disability who needs assistance evacuating and sheltering in the event of an emergency self-identify and complete an Emergency Assistance Referral Form.
- Visually Impaired Persons – Announce the type of emergency, offer your arm for guidance, tell the person where you are going, and ask if further help is needed once you reach safety.
- People with Hearing Limitations – Turn lights on/off to gain the person’s attention, or indicate directions with gestures or write a note with evacuation directions, and assist to safety as needed.
- People Using Crutches, Canes or Walkers – Evacuate these individuals as injured persons, assist and accompany to the evacuation site if possible, or use a sturdy chair (or one with wheels) to move the person, or help carry the individual to safety.
- Wheelchair Users – Check with the individual on their preference, determine if an evacuation chair is available, remove any immediate dangers, immediately advise arriving first responders of special evacuation cases.
Securing Building Entrances
The following office areas have been assigned to monitor building entrances during a fire. Do not allow people approaching the building to enter until the “all clear” has been given.
| ENTRANCE | ENTRANCE MONITOR |
|---|---|
| REED QUAD ENTRANCE | OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS |
| HOOPER STREET, LEVEL 2 | ISL, MSP |
| STADIUM SIDE ENTRANCE, LEVEL 2 | STUDENT CONDUCT |
| HOOPER STREET, MID-LEVEL | ACADEMIC HONESTY, WASHINGTON SEMESTER PROGRAM |
| MEMORIAL PLAZA, LEVEL 1 | EXPLORATORY CENTER |
| STAIRWELL ENTRANCE BY STANFORD DRIVE | PRIDE CENTER |
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