A few actions on your part can help conserve energy on campus during the winter break. The Office of Facilities Management suggests these steps to realize maximum energy savings:

• Turn off and unplug electrical devices. Many devices remain in a standby mode or use power even when turned off, including computers, monitors, scanners, printers, copiers, chargers, power supplies, appliances, and other electrical devices. If items are plugged into power strips, simply turn off the power strips.
• Lower the heating temperature and turn off air conditioning. Areas controlled directly by an occupant should have the air conditioning and fans turned off. Heating and air conditioning in many campus buildings are controlled by a computerized energy management system that will set these areas to maximize energy conservation during the break.
• Turn off all lights when you leave. Parking lot lighting schedules have been adjusted where feasible, taking campus safety and security into consideration.

The Office of Facilities Management suggests cleaning break rooms before the winter break.

• Wipe down and clean out break rooms or common areas of any food items or candy to keep from attracting insects.
• Empty the refrigerator and turn off the ice maker.
• Remove all perishable items from the refrigerator and freezer. Check all expiration dates and dispose if expired.
• Clean the inside of the refrigerator. Wipe down the drawers, shelves, sides, and floor of the fridge. Dry thoroughly.
• Place baking soda, a bowl of dried oats, or a shallow bowl of dry, fresh coffee grounds and crumbled newspaper inside the refrigerator to combat mildew, mold, and bad odor. When you return, remove newspapers and oats/coffee grounds and wipe down the drawers and sides.