Hoverboard use on campus
Sam Jones, chair of the W&M Emergency Management Team, sent the following message to the campus community Jan. 8, 2016 - Ed.
Dear William & Mary Community:
Due to fire concerns raised by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the potential impact to the safety of our community, William & Mary has decided to institute a temporary restriction on the use or storage of hoverboards on campus. Effective January 12, 2016, and until further notice, hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters and hands-free segways, will not be permitted in any university owned or leased building, including parking structures. They will also be added to the list of prohibited items in residence halls. The restriction includes both the use and charging of the device.
We are taking this action as part of our efforts to maintain a safe campus through our comprehensive fire prevention program. The CPSC is investigating the fires and injuries related to the charging and operation of these devices. This link provides information on the CPSC’s efforts as well as safety tips on hoverboard use: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/About-CPSC/Chairman/Kaye-Biography/Chairman-Kayes-Statements/Statements/Statement-from-the-US-CPSC-Chairman-Elliot-F-Kaye-on-the-safety-of-hoverboards/. Once the CPSC has concluded their review, the university will revisit the status of this temporary restriction.
For students and others traveling back to campus, please note that several airlines prohibit the transportation of hoverboards.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your support of our campus safety initiatives.
Sam Jones
Chair, Emergency Management Team