University Christmas closure: important information

Wednesday, 23 December 2015

The University will be closed over the Christmas period from Thursday 24 December to Sunday 3 January, and will reopen fully on Monday 4 January. Please note that as part of the Christmas closure, the University will be inaccessible to the public on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 December. 

Important Contacts

• Estates & Facilities: Extension 7000 (internal), or 0118 378 7799 for emergencies and out-of-hours. Email fm-help@reading.ac.uk.
• IT: Telephone: Extension 6262. Email it@reading.ac.uk.  
• Security Control: Whiteknights House, north entrance, ground floor. Extension 7799 (internal), or 0118 931 6300 if calling from outside the University or for emergencies. Email security@reading.ac.uk. 
• Staff Support and Counselling: To contact First Assist as part of the Employee Assistance Programme, please call 0800 716 017.     

Further Health & Safety information can be found here. 

Message from Security:

Before you leave for the Christmas break, please take note of the following:

• Check your workspace: secure all windows and lock all doors. Lock away as many valuable items as possible, and move all valuable items away from windows. Keep all keys locked away in a safe place. Make sure that blinds and curtains are closed. Bank all cash. 
• Turn off all equipment that does not need to stay on: Switching off all equipment that does not need to stay on will help reduce the risk of an electrical fault as well as saving power. 
• Check building access and alarms: ensure that alarms are in good working order and have been set for the duration for the Christmas closure. Ensure all access control systems are programmed to remain locked throughout the closure period. 
• Inform Security Control if you will be working over the closure period: If you will be working over the Christmas closure period, you must inform Security Control when you arrive and when you leave. Prior notification must be sent to security@reading.ac.uk. No access will be granted without this.
• Ensure vending machines are emptied: Consider placing notices on vending machines, stating that the machines are emptied on a daily basis. 
• Property mark any new items: Thieves may be deterred from stealing an item if it is clearly marked with property details. For further information, please contact Gary McGuirk on 6188.
• Remove all equipment from University vehicles: Remove all equipment from University vehicles before placing them in car park 5. Please leave vehicle keys with Security Control- keys must be collected by 09:00 on Monday 4 January.  
• Update Security Control with emergency call-out arrangements: If any changes are made to your emergency call-out arrangements, please update Security Control for reference. 

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break, and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!