Be Ready for Emergencies at Drake, Grand View & Simpson
As summer winds down and campus gears up for move-in, facilities teams at Drake University, Grand View University, and Simpson College are checking systems, walking buildings, and preparing for the flood of students that will soon arrive. It’s a fast-paced season with no room for disruption. But for all the planning that goes into academic schedules, welcome events, and student services, there’s one question colleges near Des Moines should ask now: Are you ready for a disaster?
Whether it’s a burst pipe during move-in, wind damage from a fall storm, or a fire in a residence hall, unexpected events can bring campus operations to a halt. And while on-site maintenance teams are equipped for day-to-day issues, larger-scale disasters require a partner who can respond fast, work efficiently, and restore with precision. We work alongside campus facility teams to support emergency response and recovery when incidents go beyond internal capacity.
Assess Dorms and Academic Buildings for Vulnerabilities
Before the rush of move-in week, it’s important to walk through dormitories, classrooms, and common areas to identify any structural or environmental vulnerabilities. Focus on spaces that are frequently unoccupied during summer and may have developed issues unnoticed.
Check for:
Damp spots on ceilings or floors
Warping or bubbling on walls
Soft or discolored ceiling tiles
Cracks around windows or the foundation
These subtle indicators could point to hidden water intrusion, roof leaks, or insulation problems. Flag them now so repairs can be made—or be ready to escalate quickly if problems worsen under full occupancy.
Confirm Utility Access and Shutoffs Are Clearly Labeled
In an emergency, time is everything. Whether it’s a water main break or an electrical fire, your team must know exactly where and how to shut off utilities.
Before students return:
Verify that water, gas, and electric shutoffs are clearly marked and accessible
Make sure your staff knows the shutoff locations in every major building
Review protocols for immediate utility shutdowns
In any emergency restoration scenario, the first five minutes can make a major difference. Having this information ready allows first responders and restoration teams to act fast.
Update Emergency Contact Protocols and Chain of Command
Emergencies don’t wait for office hours. With new staff, seasonal schedules, and varied shift rotations, it’s critical to ensure everyone knows who to call—and when.
Audit and update:
24/7 emergency contact lists
The internal chain of command for facility incidents
External vendor contacts (including restoration and mitigation providers)
Don’t wait until water is pouring into a dorm basement to search for a phone number. Establish your “call first” list now.
Evaluate High-Risk Zones and Plan for Quick Containment
Some areas of campus are more prone to disaster than others. These include:
Science labs and research buildings
Kitchens and dining halls
Residence hall bathrooms and laundry areas
Athletic facilities with large water systems or locker rooms
For each of these areas:
Review what equipment or systems are most likely to fail
Determine how quickly you can contain an incident if it begins after hours
Know what backup or mitigation tools are on hand
If a pipe bursts at 2 a.m., will your team have the tools and support to minimize damage—or will the incident escalate before sunrise? With ServiceMaster by Rice on call 24/7 with a fast response time, you’ll have a partner ready to mobilize the moment you're overwhelmed.
Prepare for Fall Storms and Freezes Now
Late summer and fall in Iowa often bring strong thunderstorms, flash flooding, and early-season freezes. Even if your buildings are in good shape today, seasonal weather can shift quickly and introduce new risks.
Prep steps:
Check drainage systems and roof conditions
Remove debris from gutters and downspouts
Test sump pumps in basements or lower levels
Review the building’s flood mitigation plans
Early freezes in October have also been known to rupture pipes in buildings that haven’t transitioned properly between seasons. Avoidable? Yes—if you’re prepared.
Partner With a Trusted Disaster Restoration Team Before You Need One
The most important part of this checklist is building the right relationships before disaster strikes. When the scope of an incident exceeds what your on-campus staff can handle, you need backup you can count on—immediately. We’re prepared to respond 24/7 to campuses like:
Drake University
Grand View University
Simpson College
From burst pipes and fire damage to storm recovery and mold containment, our team works seamlessly alongside your facilities staff to handle large-scale restoration quickly and professionally. We speak your language, respect your protocols, and respond with urgency—because we know that every hour of downtime matters when students are involved.
The fall semester should begin with excitement, not emergencies. With a proactive facilities checklist and the right restoration partner on standby, your college can weather whatever challenges come your way—without missing a beat.
Make ServiceMaster by Rice Part of Your Emergency Response Plan
We’re proud to support the institutions shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Call us today to schedule a pre-semester consultation, create a response plan, or request priority response enrollment for your Des Moines-area campus.
