Winter Weather Impact on Facilities

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Dear Faculty and Staff,

You should have received an email earlier today about the UT Health Science Center campus being open for regular business hours tomorrow, January 17. As a follow-up to that message, we want to reiterate the impact the winter weather could have on our campus facilities.

While most of the buildings on campus have fared reasonably well during the winter weather event, some of our facilities are vulnerable, given their age. Working conditions may not be ideal until colder temperatures subside in certain buildings. Please be on the lookout for information about impacts specific to your work area which we will distribute based on a review of the conditions in each of our facilities.

In the meantime, please report any building issues to Facilities:

• Emergency issues should be reported by calling Facilities at 901.448.5661
• Emergency issues outside of normal business hours should be reported by calling Campus Police at 901.448.4444
• Non-emergency issues can be entered through Archibus

Employees that choose to use space heaters are advised to observe the following guidelines:

• Use of space heaters is not permitted in labs or around flammable materials
• Use only UTHSC-approved or UL Listed devices
• Do not use with extension cords or surge protectors
• Damaged units or units that have malfunctioned must be taken out of service
• Units must be turned off and unplugged when not in use and at the end of each business day
• Do not leave unattended
• Units should be placed on a stable, level surface
• Units should not be placed underneath desks, high traffic areas, or egress pathways
• Portable heaters by kerosene or that produces open flame are prohibited
• Heaters should be placed a minimum of three feet from any combustible material (i.e., curtains, paper, cloth, etc.) and in a well-ventilated area
• Inspect units at least weekly to ensure good, working condition
• Do not place near room thermostats 

Thank you and be safe.

Raaj Kurapati
Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration,
Chief Operating Officer