Temporary Event Planning
The University of Michigan (U-M) hosts and sponsors many events for its faculty, students, and members in the surrounding communities. Although the events are temporary, it does not change U-M’s goal of safety first on our campus. In order to help ensure safety of all participants Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) will evaluate and assist with both Fire Safety and Food Safety matters at these events.
Fire Safety at Temporary Events
EHS, Fire Safety Services (FSS) shall ensure that the following fire prevention, evacuation, and extinguishing system protocols are in place prior to approving a temporary event.
- Fire Prevention
- Electrical Safety
- Food Service Areas
- Membrane Structures
- Portable Generators
- Flammable and combustible liquids properly stored
- Fire Evacuation
- Means of Egress
- Fire Alarm System
- Fire Extinguishing Systems
- Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Department Access
The Special Events and Temporary Structures Fire Inspection Checklist explains briefly what is needed for the event to pass inspection. For more information, contact FSS at EHSFireSafety@umich.edu.
Food Safety at Temporary Events
Temporary events often include catered staff luncheons, student fundraisers, and outdoor special events held on the U-M campus. Temporary events that involve preparation, cooking, or handling food by a caterer, student organization, or other U-M affiliated groups may require a temporary food service license. When planning events that will need a temporary food service license, the hosting organization shall obtain permission or schedule the event with the appropriate representative before contacting EHS to obtain the temporary food service license. For more information, contact EHS at EHSFoodSafety@umich.edu.
Standard Operating Procedures, Guidelines, and Manuals
- Use of Solid Alcohol Fuel Gel (a.k.a. Sterno)
- Outdoor Cooking Guidelines
- Temporary Handwashing Station
- Guideline for Use of University Grounds
Supplemental Information
- State of Michigan
Training
Contact EHS at EHSFoodSafety@umich.edu to schedule a training session on current food safety and sanitation procedures.
Prior to obtaining a temporary food service license, all outdoor events and sales of any kind on U-M grounds shall have prior approval from the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Operations (AVPFO). For more information, email fo-events@umich.edu or call (734) 615-9075.
Events planned in the following outdoor areas shall be pre-scheduled, as noted below prior to requesting AVPFO permission:
| LOCATION | WEB SITE | CONTACT INFORMATION |
| Central Campus Diag & North Campus Gerstacker Grove | Central Campus Diag/North Campus Gerstacker Grove Policies & Procedures |
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| Recreational Sports Facilities (Elbel Field, Palmer Field, etc.) | Recreational Sports Office – Rentals and Reservations |
|