{"id":8189,"date":"2023-12-06T10:24:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T18:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/faculty-staff\/?p=8189"},"modified":"2024-06-20T11:00:05","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T18:00:05","slug":"preparing-your-space-for-inclement-weather-reduced-operations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vcea.wsu.edu\/faculty-staff\/2023\/12\/06\/preparing-your-space-for-inclement-weather-reduced-operations\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing Your Space for Inclement Weather & Reduced Operations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hello VCEA All Employees,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we move through Fall into Winter we\u2019ll experience seasonal weather changes such as freezing temperatures, wind warnings, and for some areas the possibility of snow flurries. WSU also implements a period of reduced operations in late December \/ early January, when normal campus and building services are reduced or closed. The following information is provided as a quick guide on the preparations you might want to make in anticipation of these events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building Temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Facilities Services in Pullman plans to continue the slight building temperature setbacks<\/a> initially implemented during the pandemic. The targeted setpoints will keep most spaces between 65F\u201368F. Those spaces identified in previous years that require setpoints higher than this range (e.g., certain labs, health care spaces) will not be affected and will remain at their adjusted setpoints. The goal of these temperature adjustments is to help offset higher energy costs and lessen the impact on the central utility budget. These slight adjustments to the setpoints jave provided nearly $1 million in annual savings in utility costs. You may not need supplemental heat for your area, but if you do please follow the buying and use guidelines for space heaters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slick Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If an area is slick with ice or snow, please contact WSU Facilities Operations at 509-335-9000<\/a>. The largest cause of injury at WSU is from slips, trips and falls. With winter weather comes ice and snow. Please be extra cautious when navigating metal areas such as grates, street crossings and curbs, and high traffic areas with compact snow or ice. If you find an area that is a hazard please call it in or notify Dar Neunherz at drussell@wsu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weather Impacts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

High winds, freezing rain, and heavy snow events tend to cause power outages and can close highways. We are also still seeing supply chain disruptions that can be exacerbated by winter weather and storms. Please prepare your vehicles, homes, and work areas<\/a> to keep you safe while traveling, sheltering in place, or during periods of limited supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laboratories <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Please Be Prepared In Event of Power Loss, Service Interruption, or Supply Chain Shortage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power Failure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A power failure is one of the most likely emergency situations at WSU and depending on what you are operating can create a high-risk situation quickly. Please exercise caution in your emergency preparation planning around a power failure. Note: VCEA has no buildings with backup power. When the power goes out, power outlets do not work, hoods do not work, the air systems shut down, and elevators halt<\/em><\/strong>. (For PACCAR occupants toilets will also not flush \u2013 the building\u2019s water reclamation system provides the toilets with water, but does not operate in a power outage.) The only systems that consistently work in a power failure are emergency lights, fire alarms, and emergency fire sprinklers. WSU does have generators but they are only used for an extended power loss, and only certain areas of campus may be brought online with the generators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Outage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it is not typical, there are occasions that a building\u2019s water will go down. This might affect equipment or areas that are water cooled or systems that are on the DI water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Procurement Delay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many supply and distribution chains are experiencing delays, interruption, or back-orders. If you have supplies that are critical to operating your lab please plan appropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period of Reduced Operations & Building Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

WSU campus buildings and services will close or be available in a limited manner<\/a> starting December 25th<\/sup> 2023 through January 1st<\/sup> 2024. Normal business operations resume on January 2, 2024. During this period most campus buildings will be closed and building temperatures will be reduced (exception being laboratory spaces – temperatures will be held at normal levels). If you will need access into VCEA buildings during this period they will be locked. Please verify with your School or Department administrator that you have building access<\/a> via Cougar Card or key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Contacts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n