August 2026 - Newsletter

Back-to-School Safety and Situational Awareness

As students, faculty, and staff return for the fall semester, campus activity increases significantly. Increased vehicle traffic, pedestrian congestion, and distractions can create safety risks.

Safety Tips

  • Stay alert when walking across parking lots and roadways.
  • Avoid using phones while crossing streets or navigating stairways.
  • Report suspicious behavior or unattended packages.
  • Become familiar with emergency notification systems and campus safety resources.
  • Know the locations of emergency phones, AEDs, and evacuation routes in your primary buildings.

Remember: Personal awareness is one of the most effective tools for preventing accidents and enhancing campus security.

Fire Extinguisher Awareness: PASS Method

Most workplace fires are small when first discovered. Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can prevent a minor incident from becoming a major emergency.

Remember PASS
P – Pull the pin.
A – Aim at the base of the fire.
S – Squeeze the handle.
S – Sweep from side to side.

Additional Safety Reminders
  • Only attempt to extinguish a fire if it is small and you have a clear exit path.
  • Never fight a fire if it is spreading rapidly.
  • Evacuate immediately when alarms sound.
  • Report discharged or damaged extinguishers to EHS.
  • When in doubt, get out.

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion batteries power many common campus devices including laptops, cell phones, e-bikes, power tools, and portable charging packs. Improper charging or damage can result in overheating, fire, or explosion.

Battery Safety Guidelines
  • Use only manufacturer-approved chargers.
  • Do not charge devices on beds, couches, or combustible materials.
  • Stop using batteries that appear swollen, damaged, or unusually hot.
  • Avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures.
  • Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in regular trash containers.
Warning Signs
  • Unusual odors
  • Bulging battery packs
  • Excessive heat
  • Smoking or sparking
  • If any of these conditions occur, move away from the device if safe to do so and contact emergency personnel.
Safety Corner
Did You Know?

The first few weeks of a new semester often see an increase in reported incidents due to unfamiliar surroundings, increased traffic, and changes in routines. Taking a few moments to learn safety procedures and emergency contacts can significantly reduce risk.

Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility.

See Something. Say Something. Report Hazards Promptly.