… Generators allowed under new guidelines designed to maintain safety
OXFORD, Miss. – Portable generators will be allowed in the Grove, the University of Mississippi’s legendary tailgating destination, for the first time under new game day electricity guidelines released this week.
At the same time, electrical power will be turned off to outlets in the Grove on game days. The changes come after electrical engineering and fire safety teams at the Physical Plant Department approached the Game Day Committee about problems with overloaded circuits and other safety issues.
“Quiet” generators, with a decibel rating of 60 or lower, will be allowed in order to deter unsafe practices, including running power cords out of university buildings and across streets and sidewalks. The university also allows tailgaters to use marine batteries in the Grove for power needs. Tailgaters increasingly use televisions, lights and other electronics in their tents.
“The Ole Miss Alumni Association is proud of the university’s nationally acclaimed tailgating tradition,” said Tim Walsh, Alumni Association executive director. “One expectation for everyone who visits our campus is that their visit will be safe and free from hazards. Recently, unsafe conditions have been noted at home football games this season.”
The safety issues were first noted by Physical Plant engineers and fire services professionals, said Ashton Pearson, Physical Plant director.
“The safety issues identified were such that they represent unacceptable risks to the university of fire and/or electrical shock,” Pearson said. “The first step in addressing these issues was to present them to the university’s Game Day Committee. And, for the safety of everyone who visits our campus, the decision was made that the safety issues would be addressed.”
University officials remind visitors of these new and existing rules for tailgaters regarding electricity use:
- Electricity in the Circle will remain on during game days.
- Extension cords must not run across streets or sidewalks.
- Extension cords must not be run through open windows or doors of campus buildings. Unauthorized entry into any building to plug in extension cords will not be tolerated. Authorized electrical outlets located on the outside of buildings may be used by tailgaters.
- Electrical circuits must not be overloaded by plugging in multiple extension cords, splitters or power strips.
- Unauthorized tampering with the university’s electrical distribution equipment, including circuit breaker panels, junction boxes or disconnects, will not be tolerated.
“Quiet” generators, which run on gasoline, typically can power multiple electronics and lights for eight hours on a gallon of gas or less. They are sold by most hardware stores and by big-box retailers.
The University Police Department will enforce the new regulations, university officials said.
The Grove was named the No. 1 college tailgating spot in America by Tailgater Monthly magazine in its September cover story.
For more Ole Miss game day rules and regulations, visit http://www.olemissfb.com.
