In an Emergency

The following information will help you avoid injury and help Georgia Gwinnett College 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 Public Safety.

For further information, contact the Office of Public Safety at 678.407.5333. On campus dial 5333.

What to Know

Learn what you need to know about reporting emergencies.

• Fire
• Medical Emergency
• Hazardous Materials
• Suspicious Packages
• Bomb Threats
• Active Shooter Response

Assisting Persons with Disabilities During an Emergency

All personnel and students with a disability require special attention during an emergency event. Because of their special needs, emergency pre-planning is crucial. Able-bodied persons should be prepared to assist the disabled with emergency warning and evacuation. When assisting a person with a disability, always tell them exactly what you are going to do.

Wheelchair users must evacuate a building using the stairs rather than the elevator. If available, security personnel will carry the individual down the stairs; otherwise, volunteers will be necessary. Wheelchair users will be able to tell the volunteers how they prefer to be carried and how many people will be necessary to carry them.

The visually impaired will need a guide to assist them with evacuation. As you evacuate, tell them where you are and inform them of any obstacles that will be encountered. Once safety is reached, orient them to the surroundings and provide further assistance if necessary. Stay with them as long as needed.

The deaf and hard of hearing may not be aware an emergency exists and will need to be shown what actions to take. In the case of employees, it may be necessary to provide permanent alternate emergency warning mechanisms. Means of getting their attention include: writing notes, turning the light switch on and off, or making gestures that indicate an emergency exists and they should evacuate.

Pre-planning for an emergency where persons with a disability will be present always reduces confusion. Assign able-bodied people to assist wheelchair users, the visually impaired and the deaf. Arrange to have alternates, practice evacuation routinely and know ahead of time how to assist those persons with a disability.