Student Handbook 2024-2025

Fire

Whether response by the fire department is required or not, immediately report all fire incidents to Campus Police:

  • Demorest at 706-939-1349 or 706-939-1350 or
  • Athens at 706-433-1789 or 706-968-4453

In the event of a fire:

  1. Minor Fire: If the fire is minor, promptly discharge the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
  2. Major Fire: If an emergency exists:
    • Activate the fire alarm
    • Call 911 (dial 9, then 911 if calling from a campus phone) and give location of fire
    • Call Demorest or Athens Campus Police and
    • Leave the area immediately. Close, but do not lock doors behind you as you exit the building
  3. Evacuate: Evacuate the building following emergency evacuation routes posted on doors and in hallways. Evacuate buildings to a distance of at least 300 feet from the building.
    • Isolate the fire by closing all doors on your way out. DO NOT LOCK THE DOORS.
    • Assist injured and disabled persons.
    • DO NOT use elevators – use the stairways.
    • DO NOT stop for personal belongings or records.
    • DO NOT stand in smoke. Drop to your knees or stomach and crawl to the nearest exit covering your nose and mouth with a cloth to avoid inhaling smoke.
    • If ignited, drop and roll to extinguish fire.
    • Stay out of the way of emergency personnel.
    • Notify either emergency personnel or fire fighters on the scene if you suspect someone may be trapped inside.
    • DO NOT RETURN TO THE BUILDING unless instructed to do so.
  4. Trapped inside: If you become trapped:
    • Call 911 (dial 9, then 911 if calling from a campus phone) , if possible.
    • Open a window, if one is available, and place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for emergency personnel.
    • Stay near the floor where there is least smoke.
    • Cover your mouth with clothing to avoid inhaling smoke.
    • Do not open a door if smoke is pouring in or around the bottom, or it feels hot.
    • Shout to alert emergency personnel of your location.
  5. Rescue: Do not attempt to rescue anyone. Notify emergency personnel immediately.
  6. Evacuation
    1. Room Evacuation – Students and employees may be asked to move to a shelter area in each building designated for gathering during emergencies. Room evacuation routes are posted inside classrooms, offices and study areas.
    2. Building Evacuation - Evacuation of a building will occur when an alarm sounds and/or upon notification by a Campus Police or an Emergency Response Team member. Evacuation routes that identify nearest exit doorways are posted in all public buildings. Once outside, evacuees should proceed to an all-clear area that is at least 300 feet from the affected building. Keep streets, hydrant areas, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and authorized personnel.
    3. Campus Evacuation - Evacuation of all or part of the campus grounds will be announced by Campus Police and shall take place without delay.