UT Public Safety

10/15/2026

🌎 Today is International ShakeOut Day!

At 10:15 a.m. local time, millions of people around the world will practice earthquake safety by participating in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill.

Whether you're at work, school, or home, take a few moments today to practice the simple lifesaving steps: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Can't participate at 10:15 a.m.? No problem. You can still register and conduct a ShakeOut drill at a time that works best for you, and even include participants from multiple locations through video conferencing.

Preparedness starts with practice. Take part today and help build a safer, more resilient community.

More Information: https://www.shakeout.org/register/index.php?start=centralus

10/14/2026

Yesterday, EHS enjoyed participating in the Annual Campus Cores Open House at SERF!

Our team connected with researchers, faculty, and students to share EHS resources and highlight how we support a safe research environment across campus.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our table and to the Core Facility Program team for hosting a great event!

09/27/2026

The level of teamwork, collaboration, hard work, and partnership it takes to pull off game day on Rocky Top is unmatched. Add in the Secret Service, and the collaboration and coordination just keep growing.

Well done to all of our folks on Rocky Top. Your hard work, professionalism, and commitment make it happen. Well done! 🧡

09/11/2026

Never Forget.

09/05/2026

Stay cool, stay safe and take care of others around you!

🏈🧡 IT’S GAME DAY VOL NATION! 🧡🏈

The excitement is high, but so are the temperatures! ☀️🔥 A Heat Advisory is in effect for our area today, so if you’re heading to the game, tailgating, or spending time outdoors, make sure you’re taking the heat seriously.

💧 Drink plenty of water throughout the day

🧴 Don’t forget the sunscreen

🧢 Wear light, breathable clothing and take breaks in the shade or A/C when you can

🥵 Keep an eye on yourself, your friends, and especially children and older adults

Come ready to cheer loud, stay cool, and bring the energy! 🧡🤍

Go Vols! 🍊🏈

09/04/2026

Some helpful tips for students attending the game tomorrow!

08/18/2026

In order to promote positive safety culture in UT labs, the Lab Safety Committee is continuing the Lab Safety Culture Awards Subcommittee. The theme for the second category of awards of 2026 was “Understanding Headspace and its Impact on Safety.” Quarter 2 awards were distributed in August 2026:

1st place: Emmanuel Adewuyi - Graduate Research Assistant, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
2nd place: Garrett Miller – Graduate Research Assistant, Nuclear Engineering
3rd place: Chathuddasie Amarasinghe, PhD – PhD, Physics
Congratulations, winners!

View submissions here: tiny.utk.edu/Q2LSCA

08/18/2026

Ryan Steffy with the Office of Emergency Management spent time with BSA Troop 47 to teach about emergency preparedness.

Ryan took time to go over important emergency preparedness topics with Scouts as they work toward completing their Emergency Preparedness merit badge, an important step for those on the journey to earning the rank of Eagle Scout. 🦅

Great job, Troop 47! 👏 and thank you all for inviting us to help prepare the next generation to be ready, responsible, and willing to serve their communities.

08/11/2026

EHS was proud to support the University of Tennessee Tickle College of Engineering's 5th Annual Laboratory Safety In-Service Day! We enjoyed connecting with faculty, staff, and students and supporting TCE’s continued commitment to building a strong laboratory safety culture.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the EHS table!

08/10/2026

Welcome our newest member of Public Safety!

Zachary Bisch – Emergency Management Specialist: Zachary supports the Office of Emergency Management through emergency preparedness, response, communications, and outreach across the University community. He brings more than ten years of public safety experience to the team, including water rescue on the Tennessee River and six years in emergency communications with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Zachary earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science and Programming from Pellissippi State Community College and holds an Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification through the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). He also brings experience working with 911 policy organizations, including APCO and NENA.

In his role, Zachary applies his experience in public safety, communications, and technology to help support emergency preparedness and response across the University community.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, traveling with his family, participating in board game clubs, and practicing piano... enough to get past “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

He works alongside Emergency Management Director Brian Gard and Emergency Management Supervisor Ryan Steffy.