Building Emergency Response Coordinator (BERC)

Program Overview

The SF State Building Emergency Response Coordinator (BERC) Program is a critical component of the University Emergency Preparedness, Operations, and Recovery Plan. Building Emergency Response Coordinators are campus employees who work in regularly occupied campus buildings and volunteer to perform essential activities for the purpose of minimizing injury to campus students, staff, and faculty in the event of an emergency. The immediate actions of BERC can reduce the number and severity of injuries, instill calm and order in the midst of emergencies, and lessen the burden on first responders.

Responsibilities of Building Emergency Response Coordinators (BERC)

In compliance with CSU Executive Order No. 1056, the BERC Program is to participate and aid in the facilitation of campus building evacuation drills and emergency exercises at the start of each semester, as well as facilitate emergency evacuations as needed during the year and act as point of contact for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during campus-wide emergencies. BERC's are responsible for the following during usual business hours:

• Be familiar with building floor plans, pull station locations, escape routes, dead ends, hidden rooms, and the locations of potentially hazardous materials
• Develop building-specific communications plans to contact Floor Wardens when there is no audible alarm
• Assist in evacuation of buildings in a safe, orderly manner while accounting for students, staff, and faculty
• Maintain control of emergency situations while awaiting the arrival of first responders and aid them in the execution of the duties, as directed, until excused

SF State BERC Contact List