Hurricane Preparedness
Published Date: Aug 01
During the hurricane season, our concern in the Birmingham area is not storm surge but rather the effects of tornadoes as they make landfall.
As hurricanes impact the coastal communities directly with storm surge, flooding, and high winds, inland communities such as Birmingham and surrounding areas face spin-off tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, lightning, and flooding. People are killed and lives are changed forever due to the effects of hurricanes on inland communities.
Hurricanes can bring weather that may cut your power off and contaminate your drinking water. They can also create a scenario that would force you to evacuate your home and community. Emergency workers may not be able to access your community if it were to be impacted by the effects of hurricanes.
Are you prepared for these types of stressful events? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Homeland Security have prepared resources to help people prepare for hurricanes and aid in their awareness. The same information can be used to prepare for other emergency response events.
NOAA: Hurricane Preparedness - Be Ready
Hurricanes at ready.gov
As hurricanes impact the coastal communities directly with storm surge, flooding, and high winds, inland communities such as Birmingham and surrounding areas face spin-off tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, lightning, and flooding. People are killed and lives are changed forever due to the effects of hurricanes on inland communities.
Hurricanes can bring weather that may cut your power off and contaminate your drinking water. They can also create a scenario that would force you to evacuate your home and community. Emergency workers may not be able to access your community if it were to be impacted by the effects of hurricanes.
Are you prepared for these types of stressful events? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Homeland Security have prepared resources to help people prepare for hurricanes and aid in their awareness. The same information can be used to prepare for other emergency response events.
NOAA: Hurricane Preparedness - Be Ready
Hurricanes at ready.gov
Sunshine and Sunglasses
Published Date: Jul 13
image by Jonathan Clapper
Safety for our sight is an ongoing concern. Everyone, whether doing research, maintenance, healthcare, etc., should protect their eyes. An involuntary movement of the eye, a blink, is part of several reflexes that we use to protect our eyes. Something as simple as sunglasses can help ensure that your vision remains intact and your sight uncompromised. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
Sunglasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. Prolonged exposure to sun can lead to a variety of ailments, including skin cancers or glaucoma. Sunglasses can also deter sand, dust and wind. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid.
If you enjoy spending time in the Alabama sun, you’ll be able to see through the glare when wearing a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.
Reference: CDC
image by Jonathan ClapperSunglasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. Prolonged exposure to sun can lead to a variety of ailments, including skin cancers or glaucoma. Sunglasses can also deter sand, dust and wind. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid.
If you enjoy spending time in the Alabama sun, you’ll be able to see through the glare when wearing a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.
Reference: CDC
Lab Closeouts
Published Date: Jun 02
EHS has recently updated the Lab Closeout Procedures.
All labs must be "closed out" as part of the process for either leaving UAB or moving the laboratory to a new location. This relatively straightforward process is designed to prevent chemicals from being left behind and waste materials or biological components from potentially endangering those who may come into the lab for renovation work.
Once you have a move date scheduled, you can download and start to complete the lab closeout and decommissioning checklist. Once this checklist is complete, contact EHS to set up a time convenient to have the lab decommissioned and closed out.
Safety release tags should be placed on equipment and the equipment moved prior to the closeout.
The lab should be completely empty at the time of the closeout unless previous arrangements have been made with EHS, Department Chairs, and other Principal Investigators intending to reoccupy the space.
All labs must be "closed out" as part of the process for either leaving UAB or moving the laboratory to a new location. This relatively straightforward process is designed to prevent chemicals from being left behind and waste materials or biological components from potentially endangering those who may come into the lab for renovation work.
Once you have a move date scheduled, you can download and start to complete the lab closeout and decommissioning checklist. Once this checklist is complete, contact EHS to set up a time convenient to have the lab decommissioned and closed out.
Safety release tags should be placed on equipment and the equipment moved prior to the closeout.
The lab should be completely empty at the time of the closeout unless previous arrangements have been made with EHS, Department Chairs, and other Principal Investigators intending to reoccupy the space.