About our office

• Recognizes that large-scale disasters are catastrophic and elimination of all risk and potential devastation is not an attainable goal; however, while preparing for worst case scenarios, keeps the protection of life as the primary objective.
• Acknowledges the University of Georgia’s public outreach and community service role and understands the University’ vast resources may be activated during large-scale emergencies affecting other communities throughout the state and nation. Develops plans to enhance performance and minimize disruption of services during these unusual activations of UGA facilities, staff, and resources.
• Realizes emergencies do not occur in a vacuum and acknowledge an obligation to, and reliance on, emergency responders as well as citizens from other University departments and the local, state, and national community. Willingly shares expertise and fosters good relationships with all entities.
• Understands the University of Georgia student population may require extra guidance in preparing for and responding to emergencies because of their limited life experiences and takes this responsibility seriously. Engages students in finding creative ways to reach other students.
• Strives to find the most cost effective methods of accomplishing objectives by being open to new technologies and initiating research and development of solutions appropriate for the University’s needs.

 ► Programs and Services

• Develops, tests, reviews, revises, and distributes the University's Emergency Operations plan, pandemic influenza response plan, pre-disaster hazard mitigation plan, and other emergency plans as warranted
• Oversees the management of the UGAAlert system, the University's emergency mass notification system
• Manages the Building Safety and Security Representatives (BSSR) Program and provides emergency planning guidance, training, and recordkeeping
• Activates and manages the University's Emergency Operations Center in the event of a large-scale emergency
• Manages the Campus Security Officer Certification Program and provides training to security personnel working at the University
• Monitors campus-wide compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) regulations and ensures required training is provided, and records maintained, for all campus responders
• Coordinates the campus Community Emergency Response Team (UGA CERT) program at UGA
• Develops, conducts, and coordinates drills and exercises including community-wide exercises, campus exercises, building drills, and departmental exercises (tabletop, functional and full-scale)
• Coordinates the setup and activation of emergency shelters (human and animal) and Public Health emergency sites utilizing UGA facilities
• Assesses threats and implements safeguards based on current trends and events
• Conducts risk assessments and develops departmental and site specific emergency plans for Athens locations and other UGA campuses and research sites
• Designs, develops, and delivers training, newsletters, and other informational brochures for students, faculty, and staff on recognizing, preparing for, and responding appropriately to natural and man-made disasters and emergencies
• Maintains a comprehensive Web site for communicating timely information to the University community
• Investigates, develops, and implements UGA policies and procedures related to homeland security and emergency preparedness issues
• Coordinates campus events to highlight emergency preparedness and security awareness
• Serves on campus, University System, local, state, and national homeland security and emergency preparedness committees
• Coordinates on-campus community service volunteer classes to encourage participation by faculty, staff, and students
• Encourages a service-learning attitude among University students