In the past weeks, and continuing into the spring, fire drills are being conducted in all major campus buildings. These drills are held to identify potential problems in building evacuation, check response times and to familiarize building occupants with fire evacuation procedures. Do you know what to do when the fire alarm sounds?

On hearing the fire alarm:
•  Proceed to the nearest exit and evacuate.

•  Walk, don't run.

If you are the last person leaving the room and time permits, turn off gas and other utilities.

•  Close the door behind you.

•  Don't delay to pick up personal items.

Once outside, stand clear of the building. Do not re-enter the building until advised by Campus Enforcement and Patrol.

The following two items are critically important:

•  Know in advance the evacuation  route to the nearest exit.

•  Always consider an alternate route in case the primary exit is blocked. (Evacuation routes can be determined from emergency evacuation plans  posted throughout campus buildings and employees should review them periodically.)

During a heavy rainfall we've all noticed the runoff into the street grates. But where does the water go then? The grates are part of a storm drain system that flows into a catch basin, usually a local stream or pond. Unfortunately, other materials also find their way into the system. Runoff carries with it anything that will float, dissolve or be moved along. Problems can arise when hazardous products such as gasoline, oil and soap are carried in the water. Such items can upset the balance of life in our waterways.

On campus we are particularly cognizant of areas such as Long Pond and Burton's Pond and the impact pollution would have on the fish and waterfowl that are a part of these ecosystems. Prevention and early intervention are the best defense against this type of pollution.
Never pour hazardous liquids down the storm drain. If you spill hazardous materials onto a roadway or parking lot, or if you see such a spill, try to divert the flow away from the storm drains.

We can all do our part to help protect our waterways. During Environment Week — May 30  to June 5 — the safety office will hold demonstrations to show members of the campus community other ways they can contribute to a greener tomorrow. Keep an eye out for our announcements.

With spring fast approaching, many of us have thoughts of working in our gardens. Bending and digging in the garden can put undue strain on your back. To help you stay healthy here are a few back protection tips:

•  Take time to warm up and stretch inside  the house before you go out.

•  When lifting, bend at the knees so you  use your legs, not your back.

•  When shoveling, use your thigh as a  fulcrum; let your arms and legs do most  of the work.

•  Move closer to a new work area, instead  of reaching, this will avoid putting your  spine in an awkward, twisting position.