Sky lanterns, also known as Chinese or wish lanterns, are certainly beautiful, but they are dangerous. They are also illegal in many states–including Tennessee. Legislation passed in 2011 (TCA § 68-104-101(9) defines sky lanterns as special fireworks that can only be purchased and used by individuals with a professional license (such as a certified flame effect operator, certified outdoor display operator or certified proximate pyrotechnic operator). “The general public cannot…
What do you do when severe weather heads your way? Don’t wait! Get prepared! Here is what you need to do: Be Alert! Make sure you sign up for UTC Alerts. A UTC Alert is only issued if there is an emergency affecting our campus. This means you will only receive an alert when a severe weather warning has been issued for our specific area. Once an alert is issued, another…
The U.S. Fire Administration has some great ways to score more points this year while planning your Super Bowl party. Super Bowl Sunday is the USA’s second biggest day for food consumption. That means a lot of time is spent planning and preparing game day snacks. Before you kick off your menu, take a look at these tips to help you safely get your game face on! Kitchen Huddle…
Here’s some great information about Hover Board Safety, provided by the National Fire Protection Association. Many hover boards have been linked to fires, so NFPA urges you to be fire safe when using these devices. If you purchase a hover board: Choose a device with the seal of an independent testing laboratory. Read and follow all manufacturer directions. If you do not understand the directions, ask for help. An…
Walking in a winter wonderland may sound perfect, but having an outdoor adventure without the proper winter gear might prove to be hazardous to your health. Don your best gear, whether it has snowed or not, and protect yourself from the cold weather blues. The Head – We have all heard various statistics about how much warmth you lose through your head, but we still find ourselves wearing hats that…
Thanksgiving is a time of joyful contemplation of the bounty for which we all are–well, okay. Maybe I am overplaying it a bit. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather to eat, cook and enjoy time together. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is also the peak day for cooking fires in the U.S. Why does cooking cause so many issues? And why is Thanksgiving the day when most cooking fires occur? We…
Cold weather is heading our way, and if you’re like me, you can’t wait for snow days and hot cocoa. Unfortunately, winter also brings the chance of icy roads, frostbite and power outages. Don’t let winter catch you off guard. Get ready! Here are a few tips and links to help you be ready for the approaching season. Dress Warmly It may not be glamorous, but dressing warmly is…
Halloween is a great holiday, and nowhere is it better celebrated than on college campuses. However, even older “kids” need to follow some safety tips. Here are few to help you enjoy your holiday trouble-free! Watch your drinking! Not all parties will have alcohol, but if you are of legal age, drinking might be on your agenda. Please watch your alcoholic intake. All sorts of bad decisions can be made when you…
College students are notoriously messy, and even though we like to pretend that we have it all under control, we don’t always keep our living spaces in the best of conditions. “So what’s the big deal?” you may ask. “Why does the Office of Safety & Risk Management care if my room is a mess? I mean, it’s not like a messy room is a safety issue, right?” Well.…
You have been on campus for a while, and you are probably feeling settled into your new routine. But what about things that are not routine? Do you know what to do if there is a fire in your dorm or apartment building? The one thing you must NEVER do is assume it isn’t a real fire. Do not sit idly in your room. Get up. Check it out!…
