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Why SERT Shutdown Checklists are Important

AVE YOU EVER PACKED for a vacation only to arrive at your destination Why do we ask you to
H to find that you’re missing something crucial, like your toothbrush? Using submit forms via email?
a checklist while packing is the best way to ensure that you don’t forget to put
anything in your suitcase. In like manner, the best way to make sure that There are three main benefits to
you’ve remembered to turn off or unplug electrical devices at your school prior sending your SERT Shutdown Checklist
to a long weekend or break is to use a SERT Shutdown Checklist. Remember to us electronically:
not to unplug your computers or turn off your surge protectors because MCPS 1. REDUCED TIME. The amount of
may be updating your computers while school is not in session. time associated with sending a

We ask you to perform the shutdown process primarily because leaving single fax can be up to 10 minutes.
overhead lighting and other electrical devices on for an extended period of You key in the number, scan the
time is a terrible waste of money and natural resources. Leaving these items document, then wait patiently for
running may also damage equipment prematurely. the confirmation page. On the
other end, someone has to walk
As you make your way from room to room, check to see that windows are
closed, shades/blinds are drawn, and unnecessary equipment is turned off. over to their fax machine, retrieve
This is also the perfect time to make sure water fixtures aren’t leaking and the document, then process it.
toilets aren’t running constantly. When you multiply that action by
Why are there different checklists? 204 schools, you can imagine how
much time is spent.
While the Weekend/Long Weekend Shutdown Checklist is the same year 2. REDUCED PAPER. When you fax
around, the summer, winter, and spring break shutdown forms are specific to
your form to SERT, we scan the
the season. These seasonal forms take into consideration the temperatures
faxed page, file it electronically,
outside and the potential for the building to
then throw the faxed document
be occupied.
away. If every school were to use
Does your schools have email to submit their form instead
relocatable classrooms? of fax, we could save up to a ream
of paper for each shut down
Did you know the relocatable
period!
classrooms consume more energy to
3. REDUCED ENERGY. It’s true that
heat or cool the space? Please be
fax machines aren’t huge energy
sure that temperatures are set at
hogs compared to overhead lights
the recommended set points (70°F
and HVAC systems, but they do
in winter and 76°F in summer). Any
consume more electricity than
deviation from the recommended
email does.
set points must be reported to
the building service manager. If you have any questions about the
Complete the checklist for each SERT shutdown forms or the process,
of your relocatable classrooms. contact us by phone (240.314.4709) or
email (SERT@mcpsmd.org).
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JANUARY 2017