Month: January 2016

Hoverboards prohibited due to fire concerns

Posted on by rlb
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Dear Campus Community,
Effective immediately, the university is banning all hoverboards and similar types of electronic skateboards from all campus buildings due to the danger of fire and injury from the devices. The ban includes all housing and athletic facilities and all UO buildings in Portland and other areas.

This action is being taken to protect the campus community while federal officials continue an investigation into the safety of these devices. Fires resulting in injury and extensive property damage have been reported around the country and the world after the devices have overheated during recharging, and the university wants to ensure that the campus community is safe.

The ban does not affect any mobility or accessibility devices that are not recreational in nature.

Students living in residence halls who cannot immediately remove their hoverboards from campus will be able to store them until they can be moved. The university will provide a secure storage facility that has fire marshal approval for that use. Students who wish to use the storage area must first drain and remove the battery.

The federal Consumer Products Safety Commission is currently investigating the safety of hoverboard devices. If future improvements in the product allow them to be used and recharged without danger to individuals or property, the university will reconsider the ban.

Please direct any questions about the ban to me, the university fire marshal, appropriate department head, supervisor or resident assistant.

Thank you,

Krista Dillon, director, Emergency Management and Fire Prevention

Campus Regular Operations 1/4/16

Posted on by kristam

January 4, 2016 – 5:10 am

The University of Oregon’s Eugene campus will operate on its normal schedule today – Monday, January 4th, 2016.

It is understood that not everyone will be able to travel to campus due to the continuing inclement weather. Members of the campus community are expected to use their best judgment in assessing the risk of coming to campus and returning home, based on individual circumstances. Those who believe that the road conditions from their homes are dangerous are urged and even expected to remain home.

Winter weather has arrived

Posted on by zbarnett

Some winter weather has arrived; the UO Police Department advises the following safety tips:

Beware of slippery surfaces. Icy conditions are not always apparent. Taking small steps can help prevent slips and falls.

Don’t walk in the street. Streets are for vehicles and bikes, and pedestrians in the roadway can become a hazard for drivers or cyclists who are already contending with snow and ice.

Use crosswalks and be visible and purposeful. Cross streets at intersections, with the proper signals, and go straight across. Don’t go in a diagonal line and spend more time in the street than necessary. With the snow and ice, cars or bicycles will have a very hard time slowing, stopping or avoiding a pedestrian who is in the roadway.

Wear appropriate clothes. It’s cold. Exposed skin can become frostbitten or lead to other medical problems. Cover up and wear shoes that can take the snow and keep some traction. Even wearing a pair of heavy socks over your shoes can help provide extra traction.