Reporting Emergencies

The University of Georgia Police Department offers the following information and tips about reporting emergency situations to your local authorities.

For further information, see the University of Georgia’s Safe & Secure brochure.

What to Report:

Your name
Telephone number
Location or address
The nature and location of the emergency
The following information will help you avoid injury and help the University of Georgia return to normal operations in the shortest time possible following an emergency or disaster.

In An Emergency:

Do avoid panic by staying calm, using common sense, and rendering assistance where needed
Do evacuate buildings in an orderly and rapid fashion upon the request of authorities, activation of fire alarm, or if a situation becomes life-threatening
Do seek out and remember the locations of at least two exits you could use in an emergency
Do keep a flashlight and batteries stored in your office if you are a faculty or staff member
Do Not use the telephone for reasons other than emergency purposes
Do Not use elevators in case of fire
Do Not jeopardize your life or the lives of others by attempting to save property
Do Not cross police barriers without authorization
Do Not delay in reporting an emergency to the University Police

Types of Emergencies

Reporting Crime of Sexual Nature

The University of Georgia Police Department would like to encourage anyone who has been or becomes the victim / survivor of a crime of a sexual nature to seek assistance as soon as possible after the incident. Resources exist that are designed to provide both physical and emotional support and counseling for sexual assault victims / survivors. Regardless of the decision to pursue an investigation into the incident by law enforcement, we strongly encourage sexual assault victims / survivors to report such incidents to law enforcement and seek out the other mechanisms of support that are available, regardless of where the incident occurs. Contact information for local law enforcement as well as other resources that may be helpful is listed below. For emergency situations, always dial 911.

University of Georgia Police Department
706-542-2200 (Non-emergency)

Athens-Clarke County Police Department
706-613-3330 (Non-emergency)

The Cottage, Sexual Assault Center & Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc.
3019 Lexington Road
Athens, GA 30605
Office: 706-546-1133 Ext. 4
Crisis Hotline: 706-353-1912
www.northgeorgiacottage.org

The University of Georgia Health Center
55 Carlton Street
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-1162

The University of Georgia Health Center
Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP)
706-542-SAFE (7233)
www.uhs.uga.edu/rsvp/

Fire Emergencies

In the event of fire:

Pull the fire alarm if one is available and start an orderly evacuation (even for small fires: a closed room can reach 1500 degrees within three minutes).
If you are trained in the use of portable extinguishers, and it is safe to do so, attempt to put out the fire.
If the fire is too large for the use of a portable extinguisher, don’t consider trying to extinguish it yourself. Evacuate the room and close the door.
From a safe location, call the University Police at 911 [TTY: (706) 542-1188] immediately.

In the event of fire alarm activations:

Notify building officials that you have heard a fire alarm activation.
Call the University Police at 911 [TTY: (706) 542-1188] to report the exact location of the fire alarm.

Bomb Threats

Bomb threats usually come by telephone. If you receive such a call, remain calm and elicit as much information as possible from the caller.

Ask the following:

When will the bomb explode?
What kind of bomb is it?
What will cause it to explode?
Where is it right now?
What does it look like?
Did you or do you know who placed the bomb?
Why did they place the bomb?
What is your address?
What is your name?
Call the University Police immediately at 911 [TTY: (706) 542-1188] to give the information you have obtained. It would be helpful to describe the caller’s voice, any background noises you heard, and the exact wording of the message.

Other tips to remember:

Notify an official at the building you are in.
Do Not touch suspicious packages — inform the proper authorities and let them decide what should be done.

Bomb Threat Checklist

Hazardous Materials

Chemical Spills

Don’t try to clean up a chemical spill unless you know the chemical(s) involved, the protective equipment and materials needed, and how to proceed without endangering yourself or others. In the event of a spill:

Give first aid (if you are trained to do so) to the injured persons.
Confine the spill by spreading absorbent material around the spill area.
If flammable liquids are spilled, extinguish all sources of ignition (such as Bunsen burners) and do not turn on any electrical switches (such as lights) or equipment.
Call the University Police at 911 [TTY: (706) 542-1188].

Hazardous Gas Leaks

For known or suspected gas leaks:

Turn off the gas source, if possible.
Extinguish sources of ignition. Don’t turn on any electrical devices (such as lights).
Evacuate the room and shut the door.
Call the University Police at 911 [TTY: (706) 542-1188].

Suspicious Packages

The University of Georgia Police Department Bomb Squad has the equipment and training to investigate and resolve incidents involving suspicious items. If you receive or observe a suspicious letter or package:

Do not panic and do not open it. If you have opened it, remain calm.
If you are on campus, call the University Police at 911 [TTY: (706) 542-1188]. If you are off campus, call your local police or 911.

Suspicious Mail and Packages (PDF)

First Aid

Emergency medical service is coordinated through the University Police in order to facilitate emergency response by local agencies which may not be familiar with campus. Please dial 911 [TTY: (706) 542-1188] if there is a medical emergency.

Police officers will not transport sick or injured passengers in UGA police vehicles. If you are in need of an ambulance, one will be dispatched to your location by the UGA Police Department.

If you are interested in first aid training, classes are offered in the Athens area by Athens Regional Medical Center, Saint Mary’s or the American Red Cross.