University of Iowa News Release
June 25, 2008
University Hygienic Lab answers question about who should test well water
Should I be testing my water? Many people who are on private well systems are asking that question because of the recent flooding.
Nancy Hall, supervisor of environmental microbiology for the University Hygienic Laboratory (UHL), explains that the focus for testing is on wells that have been directly impacted by floodwaters.
"People whose drinking water comes from private wells should have their water tested if their wells were covered by flood water or if the well is located close to flood water, which are those located in the 100-year and 500-year flood plain," Hall said. "We have sent the message for years that people should have their well water tested once a year, and people should do this. But our priority now is to first make sure that we test the water for those families impacted by the flood who may be without safe water."
The UHL distributed hundreds of water testing kits to all county health departments affected by the flooding for this testing. These kits include supplies and instructions for collection and mailing of samples to the lab on the Oakdale Campus, just north of Iowa City. Contact your county health department to obtain a kit.
The UHL provides consultation on disease prevention, water and food safety, and disinfection of environmental surfaces. These services are particularly helpful to homeowners and businesses as they resume operations following a flood. The toll-free number for the Hygienic Lab is 800-421-IOWA (4692).
Additional information about health concerns related to flooding is also available on the University of Iowa Flood Information blog and on the UHL home page.
The Iowa Department of Public Health provides detailed information about precautions to following recovery and clean-up following a flood on its website.
The University Hygienic Laboratory is part of the University of Iowa and is the state of Iowa's environmental and public health laboratory. The UHL is the designated laboratory for the Iowa Neonatal Metabolic Screening Program, with facilities located on the Oakdale Campus in Iowa City and at the Iowa Lab Facilities in Ankeny, a Des Moines suburb. Among its many services, the laboratory functions as a consultative and analytical support facility for state agencies, health professionals and citizens. The UHL performs analyses on samples from virtually all matrices, including human clinical specimens, air, drinking water, wastewater, soil, sediment, industrial effluents, oil and fish.
STORY SOURCE: University Hygienic Laboratory, 102 Oakdale Campus, H101 OH, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-5002
MEDIA CONTACT: Pat Blake, 319-335-4177 or 319-721-0000, patricia-blake@uiowa.edu
Showing posts with label Health and Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health and Safety. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
UI offers resources to faculty and students for teaching, learning in times of crisis
The University of Iowa Center for Teaching, in collaboration with the University Counseling Service, is offering resources for faculty members and students dealing with the personal and institutional losses related to the flood. The Center for Teaching homepage (www.centeach.uiowa.edu) provides a number of useful online resources under "Teaching in Times of Crisis." University Counseling Service, 3223 Westlawn, offers individual counseling to students as well as an educational program on "Resilience: Strengths in the Face of Natural Disaster.” They can be reached at 319-335-7294. Faculty and Staff Services offers counseling to faculty and staff members and their families who may have been affected by the flooding. They can be reached at 319-335-2085 for appointments or for more information.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Specialized resource list for international students and scholars
International students and scholars at the University of Iowa in F-1 or J-1 status are often not eligible for the same resources as U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The UI Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) has created a Web site detailing the types of funding available to those in the F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant categories. The list includes information on financial support, housing, food, clothing, furniture, moving and clean-up assistance and short term loans for students. Other resources are being added regularly. International students and scholars are strongly urged to check the OISS Web site at http://international.uiowa.edu/oiss/documents/Flood-Assistance.pdf or send e-mail to oiss@uiowa.edu.
UI Police continue to operate Nite Ride for women
The UI Police Department is continuing to operate its Nite Ride Program, the UI’s safe means for late transportation service for women only. The phone number is 319-384-1111.
The programs offers women on campus a free, safe ride home. With a number of summer sessions, sports camps and the university community still being active in the summer months, the UI Department of Public Safety has continued the program even though a number of activities have been cancelled or postponed due to the flooding situation.
Nite Ride uses a light gold, 15-passenger van. By dialing 319-384-1111, callers are connected with the van driver, who can give a current location and an estimated pickup time.
For more information, including a link to a route map and the times for both academic and downtown routes, visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~pubsfty/nite.htm.
The programs offers women on campus a free, safe ride home. With a number of summer sessions, sports camps and the university community still being active in the summer months, the UI Department of Public Safety has continued the program even though a number of activities have been cancelled or postponed due to the flooding situation.
Nite Ride uses a light gold, 15-passenger van. By dialing 319-384-1111, callers are connected with the van driver, who can give a current location and an estimated pickup time.
For more information, including a link to a route map and the times for both academic and downtown routes, visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~pubsfty/nite.htm.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Update issued on IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering
Dear IIHR Advisory Board Members,
I would like to update you on the status of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering and the massing flooding in Iowa and on the University of Iowa campus. Many parts of the state are experiencing unprecedented floods and widespread damage to roads and bridges, homes, businesses, and crops. The Cedar River and Iowa River recently crested many feet above their highest documented levels.
Our landmark building, the C. Maxwell Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory (SHL) located on the Iowa River was evacuated on Friday, June 13. At about noon, the building's exterior doors were chained and padlocked and power was turned off to the building. Soon after the evacuation, the SHL sub-basement flooded. Since then, IIHR staff have been manning pumps around the clock to remove water from the SHL sub-basement to prevent river water from entering the ship hydrodynamics tow tank or compromising the tow tank equipment. Pumps are also keeping the building transformer platform from flooding. So far, these efforts, in combination with all of the sandbags place by IIHR students and staff and local volunteers last week, have been successful. The towing tank equipment and the transformer remain dry.
I am pleased to report that the Iowa River crested in Iowa City on Sunday, June 15th - earlier and lower than expected. We will remain stationed by the building at the pumps for several days, perhaps even a couple weeks, until the river level drops significantly. I am optimistic that the critical towing tank and building transformer will be spared. IIHR's south campus buildings (East Annex, Model Annex, and Wind Tunnel Annex) are also flooded. We won't know the extent of the damage until we can re-enter them. Critical equipment in these building was placed well above anticipated flood levels too.
Many other buildings on The University of Iowa campus are far worse than SHL. Especially hard hit was the arts campus (the visual and performing arts buildings such as Hancher Auditorium and the Museum of Art). The University of Iowa home page has more information about the damage on campus (www.uiowa.edu). [Note: Also see the UI Flood Information blog here.] The IIHR web site (www.iihr.uiowa.edu ) has preliminary flood information, and will be updated as soon as we have full computer access again - hopefully by early next week.
I'll try to provide you with periodic updates in the coming weeks. In the mean time, please contact Carmen Langel (carmen-langel@uiowa.edu) or me (larry-weber@uiowa.edu) if you have any concerns.
Best Regards,
I would like to update you on the status of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering and the massing flooding in Iowa and on the University of Iowa campus. Many parts of the state are experiencing unprecedented floods and widespread damage to roads and bridges, homes, businesses, and crops. The Cedar River and Iowa River recently crested many feet above their highest documented levels.
Our landmark building, the C. Maxwell Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory (SHL) located on the Iowa River was evacuated on Friday, June 13. At about noon, the building's exterior doors were chained and padlocked and power was turned off to the building. Soon after the evacuation, the SHL sub-basement flooded. Since then, IIHR staff have been manning pumps around the clock to remove water from the SHL sub-basement to prevent river water from entering the ship hydrodynamics tow tank or compromising the tow tank equipment. Pumps are also keeping the building transformer platform from flooding. So far, these efforts, in combination with all of the sandbags place by IIHR students and staff and local volunteers last week, have been successful. The towing tank equipment and the transformer remain dry.
I am pleased to report that the Iowa River crested in Iowa City on Sunday, June 15th - earlier and lower than expected. We will remain stationed by the building at the pumps for several days, perhaps even a couple weeks, until the river level drops significantly. I am optimistic that the critical towing tank and building transformer will be spared. IIHR's south campus buildings (East Annex, Model Annex, and Wind Tunnel Annex) are also flooded. We won't know the extent of the damage until we can re-enter them. Critical equipment in these building was placed well above anticipated flood levels too.
The support of the local community has been outstanding, but I am especially proud of the efforts by IIHR students and staff to sandbag critical parts of the building to help safeguard the facility. In addition, the full evacuation of personnel, computers, and essential research materials from SHL in just a few short hours was amazing. Our people exemplified the true spirit of the IIHR family.
Until the flood waters completely recede and SHL is safe to reoccupy, our colleagues in the main UI engineering building (Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences) on the east side of the Iowa River graciously found office or desk space for all IIHR students, staff, and
faculty housed in SHL (about 100 people!). We will be able to continue most of our teaching and research activities there, but I look forward to the day when we all move back together into SHL.
faculty housed in SHL (about 100 people!). We will be able to continue most of our teaching and research activities there, but I look forward to the day when we all move back together into SHL.
Many other buildings on The University of Iowa campus are far worse than SHL. Especially hard hit was the arts campus (the visual and performing arts buildings such as Hancher Auditorium and the Museum of Art). The University of Iowa home page has more information about the damage on campus (www.uiowa.edu). [Note: Also see the UI Flood Information blog here.] The IIHR web site (www.iihr.uiowa.edu ) has preliminary flood information, and will be updated as soon as we have full computer access again - hopefully by early next week.
I'll try to provide you with periodic updates in the coming weeks. In the mean time, please contact Carmen Langel (carmen-langel@uiowa.edu) or me (larry-weber@uiowa.edu) if you have any concerns.
Best Regards,
Larry J. Weber
Director, IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering
Director, IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering
Friday, June 20, 2008
Special Section: Health Issues During Flood Recovery
[Related: Public health experts at the University Hygienic Laboratory and the UI College of Public Health held a special media briefing today to discuss their initiative to develop and distribute information to aid Iowans as they face the daunting and protracted task of cleanup and recovery. Read about the briefing here. Listen to an mp3 audio file of the session here.]
The flood of 2008 that devastated more than 80 counties in Iowa now challenges the public health community to develop strategies that will help guide Iowans through the recovery process.
In many areas, we do not know the extent of damage to homes and businesses. We do know that the record flood levels isolated people from their normal routines and presents many health risks from contaminants in water that still flows through our communities.
Public health partners at the University Hygienic Laboratory (UHL) and the UI College of Public Health (CPH) collaborate on developing and distributing the following information that will aid Iowans as we face the daunting and protracted task of clean-up and recovery. We encourage you to send us your ideas and suggestions for other topics as we look for ways to protect the health of Iowans during this time of emergency.
Informational Topics
The University of Iowa College of Public Health and the University Hygienic Laboratory developed the following materials to inform you about potential health hazards you may face after the recent flood. Listed below are links to fact sheets about each topic and video clips that explain what you might encounter.
Links:
- University Hygienic Lab answers question about who should test well water (June 25, 2008 news release) NEW
PDFs:
VIDEO: Coping with the stress of an emergency (Dr. Kathleen Staley)
VIDEO: Is water from my well safe to drink? (Nancy Hall)
Look for additional topics and videos in coming weeks. Meanwhile, here are a list of additional resources:
University Hygienic Laboratory – Water testing, environmental and public health concerns
Iowa Department of Public Health – Flood-related Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Key Facts About Hurricane and Flood Recovery
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – Floods
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies
Evacuation Considerations for Persons who are Elderly, Disabled or Have Special Medical Care Issues
University Hygienic Laboratory – Water testing, environmental and public health concerns
Iowa Department of Public Health – Flood-related Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Key Facts About Hurricane and Flood Recovery
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – Floods
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies
Evacuation Considerations for Persons who are Elderly, Disabled or Have Special Medical Care Issues
An Update from the Provost on Returning to Somewhat More Normal Operations
The following message was sent Thursday to the University of Iowa community by UI Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Lola Lopes:
Dear Colleagues:
Although the worst part of the flood seems to be abating we are still in crisis mode regarding utilities (steam, chilled water, and electricity). This means that even though we are resuming classes, research, and other university operations on Monday, this is not a return to normal. We have beaten back a major catastrophe and should be proud of ourselves, but it will be many, many months before we return to full functioning. Until then, we need to continue to work as a team and always keep the functioning of the entire enterprise in mind.
From a utility point of view, the east and west sides of the campus are no longer connected. This means that conditions are different on the east and west sides of the river.
On the west, UIHC has been functioning throughout the crisis and classes will resume on Monday as scheduled. However, limits on availability of steam and chilled water mean that ramping research back up will need to be a controlled process in order to protect the system and prevent a set back. Interim VP for Research, Jordan Cohen, will oversee this process in consultation with deans and program directors.
The utility situation on the east side of the campus is even more fragile. As of this morning we were running at only 23% of normal chilled water capacity. If we are able to get the temporary chillers outside Old Music running, that will bring us to 40% which is probably the best we'll be able to do until steam is restored. Bottom line: we are all going to need to live gracefully with some discomfort. (Why steam is necessary for air conditioning is a whole other interesting story. I am going to try to get some information to you about this in the next few days.)
The strategy we discussed this morning involves running the chillers at night to bring down classroom and office building temperatures to a super-cooled state and then letting temperatures rise naturally during the day. In the daytime, the cooling capacity can be shifted to other areas such as labs that need air flow for hoods and other scientific apparatus. We also need to make sure that the IT infrastructure on this side of the river does not fail which means that IT areas need good cooling.
Many summer classes already meet in the morning when the buildings should be cool. If it become warm enough that afternoon classes are uncomfortable, faculty might try switching classes to early morning. (No, I am not joking, but I also appreciate that I might not get many takers on this idea!)
Parking is also in very short supply and some roads are still closed. Because of this, the university is encouraging faculty and staff to talk with their supervisors about flex-schedules or working from home. I am told that some researchers have found that forced time away from the lab is just right for writing grant proposals. That's an idea worth trying!
Before closing, let me recommend two web sites that provide information about the flood response that I found interesting. The company that has begun the "mucking out" operation in the flooded buildings is BMS CAT. We hope to have a story on the flood stories blog about BMS CAT soon, but in the meantime, you might enjoy looking at their web site (http://www.bmscat.com/). I was also fascinated to learn about the Hesco Barriers that were used at IATL and IMU. There is a big interesting web site for Hesco. I recommend browsing the section on applications at http://www.hesco.com/US_CIVIL/apps.html. The section on flood control (http://www.hesco.com/US_CIVIL/product.html#test) is particularly apt.
Keep watching the UI flood blog (http://uiflood.blogspot.com/ ) and the flood stories blog (http://uifloodstories.blogspot.com/). We are all in this together and we are all sharing in the loss and in the recovery.
Best wishes,
Lola Lopes
--
Lola L. Lopes
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost
The University of Iowa
111 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
319 335-3565
Dear Colleagues:
Although the worst part of the flood seems to be abating we are still in crisis mode regarding utilities (steam, chilled water, and electricity). This means that even though we are resuming classes, research, and other university operations on Monday, this is not a return to normal. We have beaten back a major catastrophe and should be proud of ourselves, but it will be many, many months before we return to full functioning. Until then, we need to continue to work as a team and always keep the functioning of the entire enterprise in mind.
From a utility point of view, the east and west sides of the campus are no longer connected. This means that conditions are different on the east and west sides of the river.
On the west, UIHC has been functioning throughout the crisis and classes will resume on Monday as scheduled. However, limits on availability of steam and chilled water mean that ramping research back up will need to be a controlled process in order to protect the system and prevent a set back. Interim VP for Research, Jordan Cohen, will oversee this process in consultation with deans and program directors.
The utility situation on the east side of the campus is even more fragile. As of this morning we were running at only 23% of normal chilled water capacity. If we are able to get the temporary chillers outside Old Music running, that will bring us to 40% which is probably the best we'll be able to do until steam is restored. Bottom line: we are all going to need to live gracefully with some discomfort. (Why steam is necessary for air conditioning is a whole other interesting story. I am going to try to get some information to you about this in the next few days.)
The strategy we discussed this morning involves running the chillers at night to bring down classroom and office building temperatures to a super-cooled state and then letting temperatures rise naturally during the day. In the daytime, the cooling capacity can be shifted to other areas such as labs that need air flow for hoods and other scientific apparatus. We also need to make sure that the IT infrastructure on this side of the river does not fail which means that IT areas need good cooling.
Many summer classes already meet in the morning when the buildings should be cool. If it become warm enough that afternoon classes are uncomfortable, faculty might try switching classes to early morning. (No, I am not joking, but I also appreciate that I might not get many takers on this idea!)
Parking is also in very short supply and some roads are still closed. Because of this, the university is encouraging faculty and staff to talk with their supervisors about flex-schedules or working from home. I am told that some researchers have found that forced time away from the lab is just right for writing grant proposals. That's an idea worth trying!
Before closing, let me recommend two web sites that provide information about the flood response that I found interesting. The company that has begun the "mucking out" operation in the flooded buildings is BMS CAT. We hope to have a story on the flood stories blog about BMS CAT soon, but in the meantime, you might enjoy looking at their web site (http://www.bmscat.com/). I was also fascinated to learn about the Hesco Barriers that were used at IATL and IMU. There is a big interesting web site for Hesco. I recommend browsing the section on applications at http://www.hesco.com/US_CIVIL/apps.html. The section on flood control (http://www.hesco.com/US_CIVIL/product.html#test) is particularly apt.
Keep watching the UI flood blog (http://uiflood.blogspot.com/ ) and the flood stories blog (http://uifloodstories.blogspot.com/). We are all in this together and we are all sharing in the loss and in the recovery.
Best wishes,
Lola Lopes
--
Lola L. Lopes
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost
The University of Iowa
111 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
319 335-3565
Thursday, June 19, 2008
UI optometrist Sindt offers eye safety tips
After the floods of 1993, the University of Iowa saw a record number of eye infections related to water-borne pathogens. These pathogens--including amoeba, parasites, bacteria, and virus--are extremely dangerous to the eye and may lead to corneal transplantation or loss of sight.
"We have already seen flood-related eye infections and we have every reason to believe they will be as prevalent, or more so, than after the last flood," said UI Hospitals and Clinics optometrist Christine Sindt in an interview with UI Health Care Today.
"We have already seen flood-related eye infections and we have every reason to believe they will be as prevalent, or more so, than after the last flood," said UI Hospitals and Clinics optometrist Christine Sindt in an interview with UI Health Care Today.
Read a transcript of the interview, and get access to an audio recording of her comments, here.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Public Health officials to hold special media briefing Friday
Public health experts at the University Hygienic Laboratory and the UI College of Public Health are collaborating to develop and distribute information that will aid Iowans as they face the daunting and protracted task of clean-up and recovery. As a first step, a special media briefing with selected UI experts will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 20, in Room 2520D of the University Capitol Centre. Those scheduled to participate include:
- Kathleen Staley, assistant director, University Counseling Service (mental health)
- Nancy Hall, supervisor of environmental microbiology, University Hygienic Laboratory, (water quality)
- Wayne Sanderson, professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health (environmental assessment, personal protective equipment, molds)
- Jim Merchant, dean of the UI College of Public Health (general public health issues related to recovery)
Prevention, early treatment key to avoiding flood-related eye infections
Vision specialists at UI Hospitals and Clinics have begun treating patients with flood-related eye infections, which suggests that the problem will be as prevalent as in 1993, when specialists treated a high number of eye infections related to water-borne pathogens. These pathogens, which include amoebae, parasites, bacteria and viruses, can be extremely dangerous to the eye, leading to vision loss and, in some cases, corneal transplantation.
Prevention and early detection and treatment are vital to maintaining eye health. Key symptoms include:
• A red, frequently painful eye
• Foreign-body sensation, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision.
• Red, irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time after removal of contact lenses.
Tips for preventing eye infections:
• Avoid contact with floodwaters (and if you cannot, do not wear contact lenses at this time).
• Don't assume treated tap water is safe. Avoid using tap water to wash or store contact lenses.
• Always wash and dry hands before touching the eye or handling contact lenses.
• Use only sterile products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.
• Contact lens solution must be discarded upon opening the case, and use fresh solution each time the lens is placed in its case.
• Rub and rinse the surface of the contact lens before storing.
• Do not sleep in contact lenses (unless prescribed by your doctor) and never after contact with water.
• Replace lenses using your doctor’s prescribed schedule.
• Never swap lenses with someone else.
• Never put contact lenses in your mouth.
• Sterilize your contact lens case, as this is a frequent source of infection.
If you experience redness, secretions, visual blurring or pain, contact your physician or eye care specialist immediately.
Prevention and early detection and treatment are vital to maintaining eye health. Key symptoms include:
• A red, frequently painful eye
• Foreign-body sensation, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision.
• Red, irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time after removal of contact lenses.
Tips for preventing eye infections:
• Avoid contact with floodwaters (and if you cannot, do not wear contact lenses at this time).
• Don't assume treated tap water is safe. Avoid using tap water to wash or store contact lenses.
• Always wash and dry hands before touching the eye or handling contact lenses.
• Use only sterile products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.
• Contact lens solution must be discarded upon opening the case, and use fresh solution each time the lens is placed in its case.
• Rub and rinse the surface of the contact lens before storing.
• Do not sleep in contact lenses (unless prescribed by your doctor) and never after contact with water.
• Replace lenses using your doctor’s prescribed schedule.
• Never swap lenses with someone else.
• Never put contact lenses in your mouth.
• Sterilize your contact lens case, as this is a frequent source of infection.
If you experience redness, secretions, visual blurring or pain, contact your physician or eye care specialist immediately.
Media briefing for June 18
(To listen to the briefing in mp3 audio format, click here.)
In addition, utilities will still not be returned to normal capacity for some time so some buildings will be too hot and some will be too cold. Students and employees should dress accordingly.
Students should check the Iowa Student Information System (ISIS) to see if their classes have been moved to a new location.
Students unable to return to campus for classes should check with the Registrar’s Office.
--Mason also said the university will be open for classes when the fall semester starts. Accommodations will have to be made for many classes, though, particularly on the arts campus, where some buildings will not be open in time for the start of the semester.
--Jean Robillard, vice president of medical affairs, said all parts of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are open and maintaining a regular schedule. He said hours will be extended in the coming weeks to accommodate those patients whose appointments were cancelled in recent days because of the flooding.
--Mason also thanked many people for their work in helping the university through the crisis, including the thousands of volunteers who helped sandbag or move equipment, alumni, Hawkeye fans and people from other universities who have offered help, and to Gov. Chet Culver, Sens. Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley and Rep. Dave Loebsack. She said 450 people have already given more than $75,000 to the university, gifts that will be used to help UI employees who have been affected by the flood.
UI building closure list for June 18
Note that restrictions have been lifted on campus buildings previously listed as being at-risk of flooding. These are: 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist); Hydraulics Annexes; and the Women’s Resource and Action Center.
A number of other buildings remain closed:
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Barn
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman Music Building
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Barn
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman Music Building
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
UI calls for volunteers to gather at 8 a.m. Wednesday to help with sandbag redistribution
Rod Lehnertz with UI Facilities Management issued the following message to the campus community Tuesday evening:
As was announced at Tuesday's UI flood event press conference, we working to help those southeastern Iowa communities that are bracing for the floods that hit us. Thanks to all of the hard volunteer work during the last week and the currently dropping river levels, we are in a position to offer the sand bags we have available (on the east side of Madison - dry and above the highest flood level) to those communities in need.
Tuesday afternoon we assembled more great volunteers, along with the IDOT and the National Guar, and sent approximately 450 tons of sand bags to our southern neighbors.
We are planning to re-assemble the trucks tomorrow morning and finish off this meaningful task. President Mason announced today that we are asking for another army of volunteers to join this effort at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Please, if you are available, join us on Madison Street in front of the Lindquist Center.
Thank you for all of the inspiring work you have done to help our university, and now our friends struggling to the south of us.
Daily flood briefing: Bush may visit Iowa; 'no doubt' UI to open for classes in fall
Following is a summary of issues discussed at the daily media briefing today, June 17 (listen to the briefing in an mp3 audio format here.)
Bush Visit: University of Iowa officials have been told that President George W. Bush is scheduled to tour areas in Iowa affected by the flooding on Thursday, June 19. With 83 of Iowa's 99 counties affected by the flood, UI officials don't know for certain whether Bush will visit campus, but UI President Sally Mason said, "We would certainly welcome the commander in chief."
Summer Classes to Resume: Lola Lopes, interim provost, announced that summer classes would resume Monday, June 23. Details about relocated classes, how students and faculty will make up for lost class time and how students can update registration information will be announced officially Wednesday, June 18. "Our academic programs and students are being cared for despite the extraordinary flooding on arts campus," Lopes said. "I know of only one class being cancelled as a result of the flooding. Everything else has remained online and I'm very proud of that."
Record Enrollment: Lopes said that despite the flood, the UI has seen record enrollment this summer, including for the next six-week summer session that begins next week. "The numbers are going up daily, hourly, even," Lopes said. "So I think people out there are seeing we're a class act."
Bush Visit: University of Iowa officials have been told that President George W. Bush is scheduled to tour areas in Iowa affected by the flooding on Thursday, June 19. With 83 of Iowa's 99 counties affected by the flood, UI officials don't know for certain whether Bush will visit campus, but UI President Sally Mason said, "We would certainly welcome the commander in chief."
Summer Classes to Resume: Lola Lopes, interim provost, announced that summer classes would resume Monday, June 23. Details about relocated classes, how students and faculty will make up for lost class time and how students can update registration information will be announced officially Wednesday, June 18. "Our academic programs and students are being cared for despite the extraordinary flooding on arts campus," Lopes said. "I know of only one class being cancelled as a result of the flooding. Everything else has remained online and I'm very proud of that."
Record Enrollment: Lopes said that despite the flood, the UI has seen record enrollment this summer, including for the next six-week summer session that begins next week. "The numbers are going up daily, hourly, even," Lopes said. "So I think people out there are seeing we're a class act."
'No Doubt' Fall Semester On: Lopes and Mason also made it clear that the fall session will go on as planned, although details about class assignments and other logistics won't be firmed up until later this summer. In any case, Lopes said, "The fall semester will not at all be affected in terms of academic content." Mason put it even more bluntly. "There is no doubt whatsoever that the University of Iowa will be open for classes in the fall."
New Student Orientation: Lopes said new, incoming freshman orientation, which was delayed by the flooding, would be rescheduled soon. A schedule for orientation should be ready by this Thursday.
Essential Versus Nonessential Employees: Mason said there's been some confusion about which UI employees are considered essential, and which are considered non-essential and should work from home this week. She said the designation simply refers to employees' skill sets as they relate to flood relief efforts. "This is not to imply that we have employees who are not essential to the university," Mason said. "We're talking about functions in a crisis. We're dealing with a flood to an extent we've not dealt with before.” Mason said the university continues to encourage employees who are not directly assisting with the flood relief effort or related tasks to work off-campus, especially since there are limited parking spots on campus and traffic congestion could hamper relief efforts. The current exceptions to this policy are employees of UI Hospitals and Clinics, College of Dentistry patient care clinics, and Oakdale employees who have been directed to return to work on campus. Mason strongly advised employees to contact their direct supervisors to determine their status, if they are uncertain, and to make arrangements to continue working off-campus if they are deemed nonessential. "After next Sunday, to stay in pay status, they need to be in touch with their supervisor to continue working from home," Mason said. [More details here.]
Entering Recovery Phase: UI officials said the campus is beginning to enter the recovery phase of the flood response operation. FEMA officials have already begun surveying the flood damage in Coralville, Iowa City and on the UI campus. Although full recovery is expected to take many months, water levels at the Coralville Reservoir are declining faster than anticipated.
Sandbag Donations: Don Guckert, associate vice president for facilities management, said that declining floodwaters, coupled with a favorable weather forecast for the next week, will permit the UI to donate unused sand bags to communities that are downstream and still coping with rising water. Both the UI and city of Iowa City have suspended new sandbagging operations. With the help of volunteers and the Iowa National Guard the UI plans to load some 250,000 unused sand bags on trucks for shipment to Burlington, Iowa and other southeast Iowa communities later today. Guckert said a portion of sandbags would be kept in reserve on campus. Volunteers are needed immediately (Tuesday afternoon and possibly into the evening) to help load the sandbags onto the trucks. They should report to the corner of Burlington and Madison streets.
Building Update: Guckert reported that the UI Main Library took on about 2 inches of water this week. While he said this didn’t cause any damage, the building was added to the flooded building list. Guckert also reported that on Monday, June 23 the UI would reopen the IMU parking lot. Despite this good news, he said the campus is still down 3,000 parking spots.
Floodwater Risks: Chris Atchison, director of the University Hygienic Laboratory at the UI, warned the public to avoid contact with floodwater, which he said is carrying raw sewage, agricultural runoff, fecal matter and industrial byproducts that can make both people and animals sick. He said the contaminated water could cause illness if it's ingested or enters the body through a scratch or puncture wound.
Atchison also said the UHL has distributed more than 695 test kits through county health departments in Iowa so private individuals can test their well water. He cautioned owners who receive the kits to postpone testing the wells until the water recedes. "Once that happens, wells need to be flushed, shock chlorinated and then tested," he said. He said people with public health questions may visit the UHL's Web site at www.uhl.uiowa.edu or by calling 319-335-4500.
Flood Relief Fund Update: Mason said that the UI Foundation has done a "fantastic job" getting out word about the UI flood relief fund. As of today, the fund has received more than 150 gifts totaling $60,000. Mason said the university would look for ways to use the money to assist members of the UI family most personally affected by the situation.
New Student Orientation: Lopes said new, incoming freshman orientation, which was delayed by the flooding, would be rescheduled soon. A schedule for orientation should be ready by this Thursday.
Essential Versus Nonessential Employees: Mason said there's been some confusion about which UI employees are considered essential, and which are considered non-essential and should work from home this week. She said the designation simply refers to employees' skill sets as they relate to flood relief efforts. "This is not to imply that we have employees who are not essential to the university," Mason said. "We're talking about functions in a crisis. We're dealing with a flood to an extent we've not dealt with before.” Mason said the university continues to encourage employees who are not directly assisting with the flood relief effort or related tasks to work off-campus, especially since there are limited parking spots on campus and traffic congestion could hamper relief efforts. The current exceptions to this policy are employees of UI Hospitals and Clinics, College of Dentistry patient care clinics, and Oakdale employees who have been directed to return to work on campus. Mason strongly advised employees to contact their direct supervisors to determine their status, if they are uncertain, and to make arrangements to continue working off-campus if they are deemed nonessential. "After next Sunday, to stay in pay status, they need to be in touch with their supervisor to continue working from home," Mason said. [More details here.]
Entering Recovery Phase: UI officials said the campus is beginning to enter the recovery phase of the flood response operation. FEMA officials have already begun surveying the flood damage in Coralville, Iowa City and on the UI campus. Although full recovery is expected to take many months, water levels at the Coralville Reservoir are declining faster than anticipated.
Sandbag Donations: Don Guckert, associate vice president for facilities management, said that declining floodwaters, coupled with a favorable weather forecast for the next week, will permit the UI to donate unused sand bags to communities that are downstream and still coping with rising water. Both the UI and city of Iowa City have suspended new sandbagging operations. With the help of volunteers and the Iowa National Guard the UI plans to load some 250,000 unused sand bags on trucks for shipment to Burlington, Iowa and other southeast Iowa communities later today. Guckert said a portion of sandbags would be kept in reserve on campus. Volunteers are needed immediately (Tuesday afternoon and possibly into the evening) to help load the sandbags onto the trucks. They should report to the corner of Burlington and Madison streets.
Building Update: Guckert reported that the UI Main Library took on about 2 inches of water this week. While he said this didn’t cause any damage, the building was added to the flooded building list. Guckert also reported that on Monday, June 23 the UI would reopen the IMU parking lot. Despite this good news, he said the campus is still down 3,000 parking spots.
Floodwater Risks: Chris Atchison, director of the University Hygienic Laboratory at the UI, warned the public to avoid contact with floodwater, which he said is carrying raw sewage, agricultural runoff, fecal matter and industrial byproducts that can make both people and animals sick. He said the contaminated water could cause illness if it's ingested or enters the body through a scratch or puncture wound.
Atchison also said the UHL has distributed more than 695 test kits through county health departments in Iowa so private individuals can test their well water. He cautioned owners who receive the kits to postpone testing the wells until the water recedes. "Once that happens, wells need to be flushed, shock chlorinated and then tested," he said. He said people with public health questions may visit the UHL's Web site at www.uhl.uiowa.edu or by calling 319-335-4500.
Flood Relief Fund Update: Mason said that the UI Foundation has done a "fantastic job" getting out word about the UI flood relief fund. As of today, the fund has received more than 150 gifts totaling $60,000. Mason said the university would look for ways to use the money to assist members of the UI family most personally affected by the situation.
Updated building status list for June 17
Two buildings were removed from the “At risk of flooding” buildings today: Communications Center and Engineering Research Facility. The four buildings that were listed as having no access off Madison Street because of sandbagging now have access: Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Chemistry Building, Lindquist Building and Halsey Hall. [NOTE: This list was updated at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday]
Flooded (buildings are locked down and no entry is allowed)
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Barn
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman Music Building
At risk of flooding (buildings are locked down and entry is restricted to authorized personnel only)
1. 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist)
2. Hydraulics Annexes
3. Women’s Resource and Action Center
Flooded (buildings are locked down and no entry is allowed)
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Barn
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman Music Building
At risk of flooding (buildings are locked down and entry is restricted to authorized personnel only)
1. 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist)
2. Hydraulics Annexes
3. Women’s Resource and Action Center
University Counseling Service re-opens June 18
University Counseling Service (UCS) will have staff on duty daily beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, for anyone in the university community experiencing difficulty coping with the Iowa City/Coralville flooding.
To schedule a consultation or talk to a counselor, call 319-335-7294.
In anticipation of the resumption of classes next week, UCS will offer additional consultation appointments to the regular appointment schedule, beginning Monday, June 23.
Offices that would like to discuss outreach or educational programs directed toward flood recovery, coping, and debriefing from the flood trauma may contact UCS to discuss their needs and schedule a program or presentation.
Contacts: Sam Cochran, Kathleen Staley, University Counseling Service, 319- 335-7294
To schedule a consultation or talk to a counselor, call 319-335-7294.
In anticipation of the resumption of classes next week, UCS will offer additional consultation appointments to the regular appointment schedule, beginning Monday, June 23.
Offices that would like to discuss outreach or educational programs directed toward flood recovery, coping, and debriefing from the flood trauma may contact UCS to discuss their needs and schedule a program or presentation.
Contacts: Sam Cochran, Kathleen Staley, University Counseling Service, 319- 335-7294
Student Health Service opens for limited hours
The UI Student Health Service will be open for limited hours on Wednesday, June 18, Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20. Students may call 319-335-8394 beginning at 8 a.m. June 18 to make an appointment for these days. A walk-in clinic for immunizations such as tetanus will be staffed 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday at Student Health Service in Westlawn.
The SHS Nurseline will be staffed from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 17-20. Call 319-335-9704 to reach the Nurseline. Leave a message and a nurse will return your call.
Other resources students may consider for non-emergency medical questions or treatment are the UIQuickCare clinics (note that some hours have been modified) or UI Health Access at 1-800-777-8442. There may be charges related to these care options.
Students experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.
Sarah Hansen, M.A., CHES
Associate Director for Education
Health Iowa Coordinator
UI Student Health Service
4189 WL, Iowa City, IA 52242
319.335.8387
The SHS Nurseline will be staffed from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 17-20. Call 319-335-9704 to reach the Nurseline. Leave a message and a nurse will return your call.
Other resources students may consider for non-emergency medical questions or treatment are the UIQuickCare clinics (note that s
Students experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.
Sarah Hansen, M.A., CHES
Associate Director for Education
Health Iowa Coordinator
UI Student Health Service
4189 WL, Iowa City, IA 52242
319.335.8387
Monday, June 16, 2008
News Release: UI flood relief efforts focus on personal safety, recovery plans
June 16, 2008--With water levels on the Iowa River having already crested, University of Iowa flood relief efforts are focused on issues of public safety. UI officials request that all non-essential personnel continue to stay away from flood-affected areas.
UI officials also said that every effort is being made to resume classes beginning Monday, June 23. Lola Lopes, interim executive vice president and provost, stresses that the summer session has not been canceled.
"A rumor is circulating that all classes are canceled. That is not so. Classes are suspended and we are hoping to resume classes on Monday, June 23. Please stay tuned," she said.
UI officials also noted that the status of UI buildings remained stable over the weekend and noted that by Monday, power had been restored to a number of campus buildings that had temporarily lost power on Sunday. It was reported that at the Main Library, no collections are wet or in danger of water damage and that only an inch or two of water had gathered in various parts of the basement.
UI officials are scheduled to begin meeting today, Monday, June 16, to begin planning recovery activities. They emphasized that no volunteers are needed at this time.
STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500
MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Kettner, University News Services, 319-384-0030, linda-kettner@uiowa.edu
UI officials also said that every effort is being made to resume classes beginning Monday, June 23. Lola Lopes, interim executive vice president and provost, stresses that the summer session has not been canceled.
"A rumor is circulating that all classes are canceled. That is not so. Classes are suspended and we are hoping to resume classes on Monday, June 23. Please stay tuned," she said.
UI officials also noted that the status of UI buildings remained stable over the weekend and noted that by Monday, power had been restored to a number of campus buildings that had temporarily lost power on Sunday. It was reported that at the Main Library, no collections are wet or in danger of water damage and that only an inch or two of water had gathered in various parts of the basement.
UI officials are scheduled to begin meeting today, Monday, June 16, to begin planning recovery activities. They emphasized that no volunteers are needed at this time.
STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500
MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Kettner, University News Services, 319-384-0030, linda-kettner@uiowa.edu
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Health and safety information roundup
Special Section: Health Issues During Flood Recovery -- includes videos, fact sheets and other helpful information for Iowans coping with flooding and recovery
UI issues strong warning for onlookers: University of Iowa officials are strongly urging people who are not directly involved with volunteer efforts to avoid the Iowa River, particularly east of the river.
City of Iowa City issues curfew: City of Iowa City Mayor Regenia D. Bailey has issued a curfew restricting anyone except those authorized by law enforcement from being within 100 yards (the length of a football field) of any area affected by the flood between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice.
Hygienic Lab offers tips on assessing floodwater health risks: Nancy Hall, a microbiologist with the University Hygienic Laboratory on the University of Campus, provides information about the health risks that may lurk in floodwaters in a recent interview with KXIC radio. (Transcript and audio files available)
Free water test kits available: Private well owners in Iowa’s 49 flood-ravaged counties may receive a helping hand from University Hygienic Laboratory with free water testing.
General health and safety information related to the Iowa City flooding:
UI issues strong warning for onlookers: University of Iowa officials are strongly urging people who are not directly involved with volunteer efforts to avoid the Iowa River, particularly east of the river.
City of Iowa City issues curfew: City of Iowa City Mayor Regenia D. Bailey has issued a curfew restricting anyone except those authorized by law enforcement from being within 100 yards (the length of a football field) of any area affected by the flood between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice.
Hygienic Lab offers tips on assessing floodwater health risks: Nancy Hall, a microbiologist with the University Hygienic Laboratory on the University of Campus, provides information about the health risks that may lurk in floodwaters in a recent interview with KXIC radio. (Transcript and audio files available)
Free water test kits available: Private well owners in Iowa’s 49 flood-ravaged counties may receive a helping hand from University Hygienic Laboratory with free water testing.
Hygienic Lab offers tips on assessing floodwater health risks
Nancy Hall, a microbiologist with the University Hygienic Laboratory on the University of Campus, provided information about the health risks that may lurk in floodwaters in a recent interview with KXIC radio. A transcript of the interview is available here. An audio file (mp3) of the interview is available here.
Related: Free water test kits available
Related: Free water test kits available
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