During Queen’s University’s winter closure there will be no custodial coverage available Dec. 24 -Jan. 2 (inclusive) unless pre-arranged and confirmed with Custodial Support Services (CSS) in advance of Dec. 20. (Note: This Campus Update refers only to custodial services. Contact your supervisor for departmental return-to-work schedules.)

For those currently working on campus, please keep energy management and sustainability in mind by turning off and unplugging equipment in offices and workspaces to avoid wasteful energy consumption and its damaging carbon impacts.

Here is a quick list of things to check and turn off in your office before leaving for the closure:

• Computers
• Computer monitors or televisions
• Lights
• Portable space heaters
• Power bar
• Other electronics

Also check to ensure other items in the general office areas or kitchens are turned off. These include:

• Copiers/printers
• Coffee maker
• Microwave
• Toaster
• Common area lights
• Shredder
• Ceiling fans
• Washroom lights
• Close windows (open windows can freeze up pipes and cause significant water damage)

Turn down thermostats (minimum 18C or 65F)

Garbage/Recycling/Organics: The last collection date for garbage and recycling is Thursday, Dec. 23. Please ensure that desk side bins are emptied into the central waste stations located in the common areas of your buildings before noon on this date. This provides Custodial Support Services (CSS) with one last opportunity to check and empty these stations.

Tip: If your department has a small green organics bin in an office or kitchen space, be sure to wash and rinse it out before the closure.

Fridge/Freezer Operation: Check appliances for proper operation/temperature control to avoid spoiling of any contents over the holidays. For those appliances with valuable contents, ensure surge protectors in place. If the fridge/freezer is being cleared of contents and unplugged, please plan accordingly and account for water production from the thaw of this equipment.

Report any ongoing water issues (leaks, broken toilets or leaky faucets) as well as lack of heating or exterior door/window issues to Fixit at ext. 77301 prior to Dec. 23.

Between Thursday, Dec. 23 at 4 pm and Monday, Jan. 3 at 8 am, report urgent issues to the Emergency Report Centre at 613-533-6080 (ext. 36080 internal).

These include:

• Lack of heating or process cooling
• Flooding
• Broken windows
• Exterior door issues                                                                                        
• Slippery/icy sidewalks or parking lots

Report any emergencies or suspicious persons/activities to 613-533-6111 (ext. 36111 internal)