The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is dedicated to the protection of human life and our campus environment. EH&S acknowledges the close relationship between the environment, work, and human health and safety.
We are committed to preventing the loss of human potential caused by fatalities, injuries, illness, and disabilities on the job and in the campus community.
Announcements
News from the Environmental Health & Safety Office
December 22, 2022
To keep safe during winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management advises residents and visitors to follow these tips:
- Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area.
- Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged.
- Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.
- Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
- Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include a scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map.
- Gather emergency supplies for your pet including leash and feeding supplies, enough food for several days, and a pet travel carrier.
- Do not leave pets outside for long periods during freezing weather.
- Look out for your friends, neighbors, and the elderly during winter weather.
If your power goes out:
- Ensure generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors.
- Properly vent kerosene heaters.
- Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire.
Visit ReadyNC.gov for more information on winter weather safety and preparation. For information on road conditions visit DriveNC.gov.
May 1st, 2022
May 1 – 7, 2022 is both the National and North Carolina’s “Hurricane Preparedness Week”
It only takes ONE tropical storm to make an impact on our lives; and “Hurricane Preparedness Week” is one way to reinforce what we all should do to prepare for each hurricane season. We must continue to stress that any tropical system is dangerous and that we should not focus on just the “category” of a storm, but rather on all five impacts that are possible with any tropical system……to include storm surge, high winds, flooding, tornadoes, and inland freshwater flooding. You will want to use the National Weather Service’s website throughout the hurricane season (https://www.weather.gov/rah/hurricaneprep); it is your one-stop shop for Hurricane Preparedness info and material.
National Hurricane Awareness Week information can be accessed at this link: https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
NC Hurricane Awareness Week information visit: https://www.weather.gov/ilm/hurricaneprepnc
March 6th, 2022
Severe Weather Preparedness
Find out what you can do before severe weather strikes. Preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing impacts.
- Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for severe weather. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Check the Weather-Ready Nation for tips.
- Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warning. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smart phones to alert residents to severe storms.
- Create a Communications Plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. Pick a safe room in your home such as a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Get more ideas for a plan at: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
- Practice Your Plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when severe thunderstorm warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows.
- Prepare Your Home : Keep trees and branches trimmed near your house. If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects, close windows and doors, and move any valuable objects inside or under a sturdy structure.
- Help Your Neighbor: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for severe thunderstorms. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt during severe weather.