Author: kristam

Emergency Phone Removal

Posted on by kristam

March 18, 2024

Five freestanding campus emergency phones are no longer work and are scheduled for removal. During the week of March 18, these phones will be taken out of service. In the short term, have signs indicating that they are out of service. The signage includes information on emergency and non-emergency police numbers, and a QR code linking to this information.  

 The five freestanding phones to be removed are located at: 

  • Lokey Education: walkway between A/B and C buildings on the south side 
  • Lawrence Hall: east side entrance  
  • Pacific Hall: east side between Pacific and Cascade 
  • Jaqua: on the sidewalk along Franklin to the east of the Jaqua Building 
  • Museum of Natural & Cultural History: Lawn to the west of the entrance to MNCH  

 Emergency phones are a part of overall campus safety and security. Emergency phones will remain in place along major walkways and nighttime paths. Older models may be removed as they fail.  

UO Alert Eugene: Severe Weather Safety Tips  1/16/24  2 p.m. update

Posted on by kristam

UO Alert Eugene: Severe Weather Safety Tips  1/16/24

UO Campus remains closed on Tuesday, Jan. 16 due to ice. Classes and events are cancelled.

Conditions on campus and the surrounding community are likely to get worse before getting better.  Students and staff should be prepared for ice on all surfaces, hazardous trees, and standing water or flooding once ice begins to melt. Use your best judgement determining when you can return to and move around campus safely.

 Current status

  • Housing Residential Dining continues to operate at Barnhart, Carson, Unthank, and Global Scholars Hall until 7 p.m. daily.
  • The Student Rec Center is open today from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Due to limited staffing, some areas of the Rec Center may be unavailable.
  • Campus staff continue cleanup and assessment, maintaining the power plant supplying electricity and heat, and staffing housing and dining facilities.
  • Power outages are occurring around the community. There have been no reports of outages on campus.
  • If you live off campus and are without power/heat, the Rec Center and Dining Halls are good options for warmth and electricity.

 

Safety

  • If you must go out – dress appropriately with warm clothing, gloves, and footwear with traction.
  • Walk like a Duck – bend a bit forward and take short steps with your toes pointing slightly outward.
  • Be extremely careful on and around campus. A winter weather impact map shows hazard areas. Stay clear of areas marked with caution tape.
  • Sidewalks and roads are ice covered and very slippery. Anything moving (cars or people) cannot stop. Stay on the sidewalk if you can.
  • Avoid trees and tree covered routes. Beware of downed or falling trees, limbs and powerlines. More will fall as the ice begins to melt.
  • During campus closures, use of campus parking lots by cars and pedestrians is prohibited, except for essential employees and/or emergency personnel. Vehicles parked before the storm may remain unless otherwise notified.

 

What’s next

  • Another storm is forecast this afternoon into this evening, with more ice expected before temperatures rise.
  • It will take a few days for ice to melt. Use extreme caution and expect sidewalks, roads, stairs, and shaded areas to be icy.
  • More trees, tree limbs and power lines are likely to fall as the ice melts.
  • Avoid standing water. Don’t walk or drive through any water when the pavement below can’t be seen. It may be deeper than you think.

Essential and other employees should check with their supervisors if scheduled to work. Staff inclement weather information is at Inclement Winter Weather | Human Resources (uoregon.edu)

For emergency assistance, call 9-1-1 or University of Oregon Police Department at 541-346-2919.

Severe Weather Student Safety Message

Posted on by kristam

January 15, 2024 – 5:20 pm

We want to acknowledge the significant challenges that our winter storm may have had on our UO Eugene students. Please see below for important resources and information.

On Campus

  • Be careful on and around campus. A winter weather impact map shows hazard areas. Sidewalks and roads are ice covered and slippery. There is a potential for more freezing rain on Tuesday. Stay clear of areas marked with caution tape. Avoid trees and tree covered routes. Beware of downed or falling trees, limbs and powerlines.
  • Housing Residential Dining continues to operate at Barnhart, Carson, Unthank, and Global Scholars Hall until 7 p.m. daily.
  • The Student Rec Center is open on Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Due to limited staffing, some areas of the Rec Center may be unavailable.
  • Power outages have been reported east of campus and in other areas around the community.

Off Campus

  • If you are traveling to Eugene, use your best judgement to travel safely. Check TripCheck.com for road conditions throughout Oregon.
  • Roads throughout Eugene continue to be ice covered and many trees have fallen.
  • LTD has cancelled service for Tuesday.

Student Care

  • If the inclement weather has had a significant impact on you financially, you may be eligible for reimbursement from the UO Students in Crisis Fund. Funds are limited and offered on a one-time basis should the financial impact impede on your academic success.
  • If you live off campus and are without power/heat, the Rec Center and Dining Halls are good options for warmth and electricity. The Eugene Library and other community centers may also be available.

For emergencies, call 9-1-1 or University of Oregon Police Department at 541-346-2919.

 

Posted on by kristam

08/26/2023 1:15 pm

The Eugene campus is experiencing the impacts of wildfire smoke from nearby fires and the AQI is currently over 100.

If on campus, please close windows and doors. Laboratories, please close hoods if feasible.

The University has a series of both requirements and recommendations for action when AQI reaches certain levels. These are summarized below.

Oregon OSHA has a series of requirements for UO staff working outdoors.  Supervisors will receive notifications at 101, 251 and 501, and when the AQI moves below these levels. Direction notifications will be made to supervisors when these levels are reached.

·       >100:  Outdoor staff may voluntarily use an N95 respirator to continue their outdoor work.

·       >250:  Outdoor staff should be reassigned work to indoor locations to the extent possible. For work that must continue outside, N95 respirators are now required.

·       >500: Staff working outdoors must have prior enrollment in the UO Respiratory Protection and use of appropriate respirators is required.

UO has developed a policy for UO hosted programs.  Program staff who have signed up for AQI notifications will receive texts and emails at 101, 251 and 501, and when the AQI moves below these levels.  Individuals and event organizers should self-monitor AirNow for AQI levels between 151 and 250. No direct notifications will be made at these levels.

·       >100: Recommended that youth programs suspend or move inside.

·       >150: Members of the campus community are expected to use their best judgment in assessing the risk of smoke exposure related to coming and going to campus and participating in outdoor activities on campus, based on individual circumstances.

·       >200:  Recommended that all programs suspend or move inside.

·       >250: All UO hosted programs must be suspended or moved inside.

Information on campus operations related to wildfire smoke is available on the Human Resources website.

Air Quality Safety Tips

·       Air pollution levels are measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI) which includes gases and particulate matter. The higher the levels on the AQI, the greater the potential health risks.

·       Smoke can cause adverse health effects. While wildfire smoke can contain hazardous chemicals, the main exposure concern for people who are not close to the fire are the tiny particles (particulate matter or PM) suspended in the air. The smallest particles, called PM 2.5 because they are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, are considered most harmful because they can penetrate deep within the respiratory system.

·       Elevated levels of particulate matter found in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and cause persistent coughing, phlegm, wheezing, itchy eyes, sinus issues, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Particulate matter can also cause more serious problems, such as: reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, and heart failure.

·       Sensitivity to PM varies by individual. Sensitive groups may include people with heart or lung disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women, and children. Individuals who are sensitive to PM might experience symptoms at AQI levels below 150.

·       Stay inside with the doors and windows closed and where possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities (e.g., going for a run) during heavy smoke events. Stay hydrated by drinking water. Consider using an N95 respirator mask, if necessary, when going outdoors.

·       Recirculate the air in your home’s central heating/cooling system (shut off the fresh air intake) and make sure the filter has been recently changed. Avoid vacuuming, burning candles or other activities that increase indoor air pollution.

AQI on the Eugene Campus is over 100

Posted on by kristam

08/25/2023 5:30 am

The Eugene campus is experiencing the impacts of wildfire smoke from nearby fires and the AQI is currently over 100.

If on campus, please close windows and doors. Laboratories, please close hoods if feasible.

The University has a series of both requirements and recommendations for action when AQI reaches certain levels. These are summarized below.

Oregon OSHA has a series of requirements for UO staff working outdoors.  Supervisors will receive notifications at 101, 251 and 501, and when the AQI moves below these levels. Direction notifications will be made to supervisors when these levels are reached.

  • >100: Outdoor staff may voluntarily use an N95 respirator to continue their outdoor work.
  • >250: Outdoor staff should be reassigned work to indoor locations to the extent possible. For work that must continue outside, N95 respirators are now required.
  • >500: Staff working outdoors must have prior enrollment in the UO Respiratory Protection and use of appropriate respirators is required.

UO has developed a policy for UO hosted programs.  Program staff who have signed up for AQI notifications will receive texts and emails at 101, 251 and 501, and when the AQI moves below these levels.  Individuals and event organizers should self-monitor AirNow for AQI levels between 151 and 250. No direct notifications will be made at these levels.

  • >100: Recommended that youth programs suspend or move inside.
  • >150: Members of the campus community are expected to use their best judgment in assessing the risk of smoke exposure related to coming and going to campus and participating in outdoor activities on campus, based on individual circumstances.
  • >200: Recommended that all programs suspend or move inside.
  • >250: All UO hosted programs must be suspended or moved inside.

Information on campus operations related to wildfire smoke is available on the Human Resources website.

Air Quality Safety Tips

  • Air pollution levels are measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI) which includes gases and particulate matter. The higher the levels on the AQI, the greater the potential health risks.
  • Smoke can cause adverse health effects. While wildfire smoke can contain hazardous chemicals, the main exposure concern for people who are not close to the fire are the tiny particles (particulate matter or PM) suspended in the air. The smallest particles, called PM 2.5 because they are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, are considered most harmful because they can penetrate deep within the respiratory system.
  • Elevated levels of particulate matter found in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and cause persistent coughing, phlegm, wheezing, itchy eyes, sinus issues, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Particulate matter can also cause more serious problems, such as: reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, and heart failure.
  • Sensitivity to PM varies by individual. Sensitive groups may include people with heart or lung disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women, and children. Individuals who are sensitive to PM might experience symptoms at AQI levels below 150.
  • Stay inside with the doors and windows closed and where possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities (e.g., going for a run) during heavy smoke events. Stay hydrated by drinking water. Consider using an N95 respirator mask, if necessary, when going outdoors.
  • Recirculate the air in your home’s central heating/cooling system (shut off the fresh air intake) and make sure the filter has been recently changed. Avoid vacuuming, burning candles or other activities that increase indoor air pollution.

AQI on the Eugene Campus is over 100

Posted on by kristam

08/24/2023 – 11:25 am

The Eugene campus is experiencing the impacts of wildfire smoke from nearby fires and the AQI is currently over 100. 

If on campus, please close windows and doors. Laboratories, please close hoods if feasible.

The University has a series of both requirements and recommendations for action when AQI reaches certain levels. These are summarized below. 

Oregon OSHA has a series of requirements for UO staff working outdoors.  Supervisors will receive notifications at 101, 251 and 501, and when the AQI moves below these levels. Direction notifications will be made to supervisors when these levels are reached. 

  • >100:  Outdoor staff may voluntarily use an N95 respirator to continue their outdoor work.  
  • >250:  Outdoor staff should be reassigned work to indoor locations to the extent possible. For work that must continue outside, N95 respirators are now required.
  • >500: Staff working outdoors must have prior enrollment in the UO Respiratory Protection and use of appropriate respirators is required.

UO has developed a policy for UO hosted programs.  Program staff who have signed up for AQI notifications will receive texts and emails at 101, 251 and 501, and when the AQI moves below these levels.  Individuals and event organizers should self-monitor AirNow for AQI levels between 151 and 250. No direct notifications will be made at these levels. 

  • >100: Recommended that youth programs suspend or move inside.  
  • >150: Members of the campus community are expected to use their best judgment in assessing the risk of smoke exposure related to coming and going to campus and participating in outdoor activities on campus, based on individual circumstances. 
  • >200:  Recommended that all programs suspend or move inside.  
  • >250: All UO hosted programs must be suspended or moved inside.  

Information on campus operations related to wildfire smoke is available on the Human Resources website. 

Air Quality Safety Tips

  • Air pollution levels are measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI) which includes gases and particulate matter. The higher the levels on the AQI, the greater the potential health risks.
  • Smoke can cause adverse health effects. While wildfire smoke can contain hazardous chemicals, the main exposure concern for people who are not close to the fire are the tiny particles (particulate matter or PM) suspended in the air. The smallest particles, called PM 2.5 because they are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, are considered most harmful because they can penetrate deep within the respiratory system.
  • Elevated levels of particulate matter found in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and cause persistent coughing, phlegm, wheezing, itchy eyes, sinus issues, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Particulate matter can also cause more serious problems, such as: reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, and heart failure.
  • Sensitivity to PM varies by individual. Sensitive groups may include people with heart or lung disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women, and children. Individuals who are sensitive to PM might experience symptoms at AQI levels below 150.
  • Stay inside with the doors and windows closed and where possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities (e.g., going for a run) during heavy smoke events. Stay hydrated by drinking water. Consider using an N95 respirator mask, if necessary, when going outdoors.
  • Recirculate the air in your home’s central heating/cooling system (shut off the fresh air intake) and make sure the filter has been recently changed. Avoid vacuuming, burning candles or other activities that increase indoor air pollution.