Posted on Aug. 18: Power conservation update

McMaster is open and operating at reduced power levels today to meet the directions from the Province of Ontario during the continued state of emergency.

“In order to help meet the power reductions required, all McMaster employees are asked to conserve power wherever possible,” says Karen Belaire, vice-president administration. “Please turn off lights and computers that are not needed as well as fans, photocopiers or appliances. These efforts will help avoid further blackouts.”

“Where possible, staff and faculty are asked to please limit their research initiatives to assist with energy conservation efforts,” says associate vice-president academic Fred A. Hall. “It is essential that we all make every effort to reduce our power consumption. One of the University's top priorities is to ensure that the McMaster site of Hamilton Health Sciences has sufficient power to provide essential services.”

Employees should expect offices to be warmer than usual over the next few days. Air chilling systems may be reduced or programmed to operate on a rotation basis as necessary. Physical Plant staff are currently meeting the provincial direction to maintain air cooling systems at a minimum of 25 degrees C. Temperatures will vary depending on where individuals are located from cooling vents. Over the next few days while outside temperatures remain high, managers are asked to allow their staff members to take frequent breaks from warm office areas.

Ongoing office security is important during this time. If you notice any areas of forced entry or missing equipment, or have any issue of concern, please notify McMaster Security immediately at ext. 24281.

“Everyone's co-operation is greatly appreciated during this difficult situation,” says Belaire. “Thank you to all staff, faculty and students who are on campus and as well to the many visitors and summer camp participants who are here, for your ongoing patience and assistance.”

The current situation has allowed the crisis management team to assess what works well in their procedures and where improvements are needed. Two areas for future review include the need for building access in situations when there is a complete lockdown, and a review of all systems that require emergency power.

The University's crisis management team will continue to monitor the situation and provide information updates as available on the Daily News Web site or by e-mail.

Any related concerns or questions may be forwarded to the crisis management team members:

Karen Belaire, vice-president (administration) (chair) ext. 23340

Fred A. Hall, associate vice-president (academic) ext. 24672

Fred L. Hall, dean, school of graduate studies (alternate) ext. 23683

Phil Wood, associate vice-president (student affairs) ext. 27455

Therese Quigley, director, athletics & recreation (alternate) ext. 23699

Jayne Johnston, director (acting), public & government relations ext. 27305
Mark Haley, associate vice-president (human resources) ext. 27632

Simon Ouellet, director of operations, human resources (alternate)ext. 23676

Tony Cupido, director of physical plant ext. 23054

Ron Thorn, director of security services ext. 23372

Bill Armstrong, operations manager, security services (alternate) ext. 23369

Ron Angus, manager, risk management services ext. 24653

Lisa Morine, safety officer, risk management services ext. 23314

Kathy Kishimoto, executive administrative assistant, VP administration ext. 24330

Lynne Taylor, administrative assistant, VP administration (alternate) ext. 24755

Eva Bodrozic, executive assistant, AVP student affairs ext. 27455

Mary Arnold, administrative secretary, office of the president (alternate) ext. 27110

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McMaster is open and operating at reduced power levels today to meet the directions from the Province of Ontario during the continued state of emergency.  <p><br />
<br />
"In order to help meet the power reductions required, all McMaster employees are asked to conserve power wherever possible," says Karen Belaire, vice-president administration. "Please turn off lights and computers that are not needed as well as fans, photocopiers or appliances. These efforts will help avoid further blackouts."<p><br />
<br />
"Where possible, staff and faculty are asked to please limit their research initiatives to assist with energy conservation efforts," says associate vice-president academic Fred A. Hall.  "It is essential that we all make every effort to reduce our power consumption.  One of the University&#039;s top priorities is to ensure that the McMaster site of Hamilton Health Sciences has sufficient power to provide essential services."<p><br />
<br />
Employees should expect offices to be warmer than usual over the next few days.  Air chilling systems may be reduced or programmed to operate on a rotation basis as necessary.  Physical Plant staff are currently meeting the provincial direction to maintain air cooling systems at a minimum of 25 degrees C.  Temperatures will vary depending on where individuals are located from cooling vents. Over the next few days while outside temperatures remain high, managers are asked to allow their staff members to take frequent breaks from warm office areas.<p><br />
<br />
Ongoing office security is important during this time.  If you notice any areas of forced entry or missing equipment, or have any issue of concern, please notify McMaster Security immediately at ext. 24281.<p><br />
<br />
"Everyone&#039;s co-operation is greatly appreciated during this difficult situation," says Belaire. "Thank you to all staff, faculty and students who are on campus and as well to the many visitors and summer camp participants who are here, for your ongoing patience and assistance."<p><br />
<br />
The current situation has allowed the crisis management team to assess what works well in their procedures and where improvements are needed. Two areas for future review include the need for building access in situations when there is a complete lockdown, and a review of all systems that require emergency power.<p><br />
<br />
The University&#039;s crisis management team will continue to monitor the situation and provide information updates as available on the <a href="http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/">Daily News</a> Web site or by e-mail.  <p><br />
<br />
Any related concerns or questions may be forwarded to the crisis management team members:<p><ul><br />
<br />
<li>Karen Belaire, vice-president (administration) (chair) ext. 23340</li><br />
<li>Fred A. Hall, associate vice-president (academic) ext. 24672</li><br />
<li>Fred L. Hall, dean, school of graduate studies (alternate) ext. 23683</li><br />
<li>Phil Wood, associate vice-president (student affairs) ext. 27455</li><br />
<li>Therese Quigley, director, athletics & recreation (alternate) ext. 23699</li><br />
<li>Jayne Johnston, director (acting), public & government relations ext. 27305<br><br />
<li>Mark Haley, associate vice-president (human resources) ext. 27632</li><br />
<li>Simon Ouellet, director of operations, human resources (alternate)ext. 23676</li><br />
<li>Tony Cupido, director of physical plant ext. 23054</li><br />
<li>Ron Thorn, director of security services ext. 23372</li><br />
<li>Bill Armstrong, operations manager, security services (alternate) ext. 23369</li><br />
<li>Ron Angus, manager, risk management services ext. 24653</li><br />
<li>Lisa Morine, safety officer, risk management services ext. 23314</li><br />
<li>Kathy Kishimoto, executive administrative assistant, VP administration ext. 24330</li><br />
<li>Lynne Taylor, administrative assistant, VP administration (alternate) ext. 24755</li><br />
<li>Eva Bodrozic, executive assistant, AVP student affairs ext. 27455</li><br />
<li>Mary Arnold, administrative secretary, office of the president (alternate) ext. 27110</li></ul>

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Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 24073
Email: comms@mcmaster.ca

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