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Stay Safe at the Table this Holiday Season

  News & Updates , , ,  

As we prepare for holiday meals, Environmental Health and Safety reminds the campus community to stay safe at the table.
Graphic that shows a cornucopia and lists food safety considerations

Please consider the following tips

  • Wash your hands frequently when handling food.
  • Keep raw meat away from fresh produce.
  • Use separate cutting boards, dishes, and utensils for uncooked and cooked meats.
  • Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is cooked to a safe temperature.
  • Refrigerate hot or cold leftovers within two hours of being served.
  • Leftovers are safe for 3-4 days when properly refrigerated.

For additional information on cooking safety please visit foodsafety.gov

https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/food-safety-tips-holidays

Remember, that safety begins between the ears and please make safety a part of your holiday!

Holiday Cooking with Care

  News & Updates 

As we prepare for holiday meals, Environmental Health and Safety reminds the campus community to always Cook with Care.

A graphic that lists safety considerations for Holiday Cooking Safety

Please consider the following tips

  • Be alert; if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the oven or stove top.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
  • When simmering, baking or roasting, check the food regularly; remain in the kitchen while cooking and use a timer.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove top.
  • Have a working kitchen fire extinguisher and know how to use it.

For additional information on cooking safety please visit

Remember, that safety begins between the ears and please make safety a part of your holiday!

 

 

Electrical Fires on Campus

  Fire Safety , ,  

It Could Have Been Much Worse…

A recent campus fire, involving an extension cord, serves as a reminder about the importance of extension cord safety, particularly during the holidays. Luckily, no one was injured in the fire, and only minor damage was sustained. Yet, this fire could have been much worse. The fire is still under review, but preliminary findings point to several key factors.

The cord was:

    • being used as permanent wiring
    • in service for an extended amount of time
    • bound tightly with zip ties
    • covered by or near combustible materials (cardboard)
    • was plugged into a power strip (daisy-chaining)

What Can You Do Now?

As we prepare for the holiday break and the end of semester, recognize that our buildings may be unoccupied for an extended period. Now is a great time to unplug items which will not be used to reduce the risk of fire.

Below are a few important tips to help protect our campus from fire:

  • Use a cord of sufficient length for your need; avoid excessive cord lengths that can create trip and fire hazards.
  • Do not tightly coil or fold cords, as this will restrict energy flow and cause cords to heat up.
  • Never cover an extension cord with a rug, debris or other material which could trap heat, hide cord damage, and provide fuel for a fire.
  • Good housekeeping removes fuel for a fire. Put away materials that could burn.
  • Extension cords are for temporary use only (no greater than 90 days) and shall  be unplugged and put away when not in use.

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For additional tips on protecting yourself both on and off campus. Continue reading →

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