UGA is under the jurisdiction of the State Fire Marshal’s Office of the State of Georgia. Fire safety related matters are regulated by State Law Title 25, Title 8 and Subject 120-3-3 – Rules and Regulations for the State Minimum Fire Safety Standards. Subject 120-3-3 adopts a variety of codes including the Life Safety Code, The International Fire Code, and the International Building Code among others.
The UGA Office of Fire and Life Safety, Environmental Safety Division:
The UGA Office of Fire and Life Safety is a department within the Risk & Resiliency Division of the University of Georgia. It is charged with providing assistance to the University community in all Fire and Life Safety related issues. The Office of Fire and Life Safety provides the following services:
- Inspection of University facilities for compliance with State of Georgia Fire and Life Safety laws, regulations and codes as noted above. All University Housing facilities are inspected a minimum of two times a year by certified and deputized Fire and Life Safety Inspectors (*See information below). Items routinely inspected in facilities include (but are not limited to) fire alarm systems, fire suppression sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, integrity of fire walls, fire dampers, exiting corridors and exit discharges. Fire extinguishers are inspected on a monthly basis and serviced annually by a licensed fire extinguisher contractor. Breakroom cooking ranges are protected by ventilation hood fire suppression systems which are inspected semiannually by licensed hood suppression system contractors.
- Review, comment and approval of building construction plans, for building renovations and new construction. Building renovation and new construction is reviewed for compliance with State of Georgia fire, life safety, and building codes. After plans have been submitted, reviewed, and approved, the Office of Fire and Life Safety will issue a Construction Permit. After the issuance of a Construction Permit, the Office of Fire and Life Safety will conduct inspections of the construction project until a final inspection is conducted upon completion of the building or renovation. At that time, a report will be issued approving occupancy.
- Fire safety awareness and fire extinguisher training is provided upon request to any University personnel, student, or organization. This training covers basic fire safety prevention information and fire extinguisher training including the types and appropriate use of fire extinguishers. The training also includes hands-on usage of fire extinguishers under the supervision of Office of Fire and Life Safety personnel.
- Assistance with pre-planning for fire emergency evacuation and fire drills is available to all University faculty, staff, students, and organizations upon request. University Housing conducts a minimum of two fire drills annually in all University Housing units. University Housing maintains record of fire drills internally. The Office of Fire and Life Safety assists the Office of Student Affairs and Greek Life with a minimum of two fire drills annual (fall and spring semesters). Upon completion of fire drills, The Office of Fire and Life Safety issues a report to each organization and Greek Life delineating the results of each drill including date, number of individuals participating, and the amount of time it took for each evacuation.
- Investigation of fires on all University properties to determine cause and point of origin. The Office of Fire and Life Safety works closely with the University of Georgia Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Investigation Unit when necessary. Fires are investigated to determine if they are accidental or if arson is suspected.
*Note: All UGA Fire Safety Inspectors are deputized by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and certified in the State of Georgia in the following areas:
- Conduct fire scene investigations, prepare and submit reports;
- Review plans and specifications, issue construction permits, conduct fire safety inspections for 80%, 100% inspections, and issue Certificates of Occupancy for new construction;
- Conduct fire safety inspections and issue Certificates of Occupancy for existing construction;
- Conduct annual and follow-up inspections on existing buildings and structures. The Office of Fire and Life Safety can be reached at 706-542-5801 or visit esd.uga.edu for additional information.
The Office of Fire and Life Safety can be reached at 706-542-5801 or visit esd.uga.edu for additional information.
University Housing Policies:
All residence halls and apartments are equipped with fire detection systems and alarms. This includes smoke detection devices in every room and in the exit hallways. Residence halls and University Village apartments are equipped with sprinkler systems, and alarms are directly linked to a continually attended monitoring service that is linked to the Athens-Clark County 911 Center and the University of Georgia Police Department.
All residential hall graduate and professional staff are trained in the appropriate operation of residential hall fire alarm systems and fire alarm panels.
All University Housing policies can be viewed in the University Housing Community Guide on the housing website. All housing policies are reviewed on a two-year cycle or sooner if the need arises. The institution has determined that their fire safety systems are adequate and no future improvements are currently planned.
The following policies relate directly to fire safety:
- Appliances and Electrical Devices
- Cooking Guidelines
- Decorations
- Door Closures and Exit Doors
- Fire Safety
- Fire Equipment
- Fire Hazards
- Fire Alarms
- Fire Drills
- Health and Safety
- Smoking
- Stairs, Hallways, Breezeways, Decks, and Patios
In accordance with University regulations, fire drills are conducted in each residential building once per semester. Residents should follow the same procedures for fire drills as they would with any fire alarm and exit the building in a timely manner. All drills will be advertised a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Failure to evacuate in a timely manner may result in referral to the student conduct process.
Residential Facilities — Fire Protection and General Information 2021–2024