AQI on the Eugene Campus is over 100

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.

AQI on the Eugene Campus is over 100

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.

Security Advisory for Residents at Spencer View Apartments July 19, 2023

What is this notice? Campus Crime Alerts are released by the University of Oregon Police Department when certain crimes are reported on or near campus property, and in compliance with federal law. These timely warnings provide information about campus safety situations, and allow campus community members to take precautions for personal safety. All crimes should be reported as soon as possible to local law enforcement.

The UO Police Department responded to a burglary at Spencer View University Apartments on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

Sometime between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. someone cut through the screen of an open window to enter an apartment through the back door and stole a purse. There is no description of the suspect available.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents should call UOPD at 541-346-2919. UOPD encourages students and employees to immediately report any crimes or suspicious activity on or near campus to ensure a prompt investigation.

UOPD is increasing patrols in the area.

Updates regarding this incident, when and if available, will be posted on the UO Alerts website at alerts.uoregon.edu

If you have any concerns or questions about safety in our residential community, please contact University of Oregon Police Department (UOPD) non-emergency: 541-346-2919, press 2, talk with someone familiar with security protocols or contact University Housing 541-346-4277. In an emergency, always call 911.

 

SAFETY TIPS FROM UOPD

No action or inaction by a crime survivor makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects. The following suggestions may help reduce the possibility of experiencing such a crime or may improve opportunities to receive prompt assistance.

  • Lock your doors and windows, especially on the first or bottom floor of buildings.
  • Report suspicious activity. If you notice suspicious activity or unfamiliar individuals loitering in or around areas to which you believe they should not have access, report it immediately to University of Oregon Police Department (UOPD). Emergency: 911 or Non-emergency: 541-346-2919, press 0to reach an officer.
  • Keep valuables secure. Do not leave valuable items unattended or in plain sight. Secure your valuables. Don’t leave them near windows or in your vehicle.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SURVIVORS OF CRIME

  • Student survivors of crime may find support and resource options at safe.uoregon.edu or call the 24-hour SAFE hotline at 541-346-SAFE (7233).
  • University Counseling Services is open until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and offers 24-hour crisis support via phone; 541-346-3227.
  • Duck Nest in EMU provides a place for students to practice self-care and life-balance. It is staffed by Peer Wellness Advocate.

Huestis Hall Contractor’s Mock Drill Informational Notice 5/23/23

When:  Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 8:30 am

Building(s) or Area(s) Affected:  Huestis Hall

Scope:  The construction team at the Huestis Hall Renovation Project is having a planned emergency drill today at 8:30 am. The contractors are testing their emergency protocols which involves a site evacuation. There is no need for response from UOPD, EPD, EFD, or any other University personnel.

Services Impacted:  Contractors will be observed vacating the building. This does not affect UO employees.

Work Performed By:  Lease Crutcher Lewis

ContactMartina Oxoby, CPFM Owner’s Representative, 541-346-5880

ALL CLEAR: SEHS Bomb Theat (5/10/23)

5/10/23 12:50 p.m.

Eugene Police have issued an ‘all clear’ at South Eugene High School after responding to a potential bomb threat. Nothing was found in a thorough search in and outside the building. Spencer View residents may come and go from their homes without any safety restriction.