A Back-to-School Checklist for DMACC Facilities Teams
As one of Iowa’s most active community colleges, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) never really “shuts down” for summer. With summer courses, continuing education, technical training, and community programs running year-round, there’s little downtime to catch up on large-scale maintenance.
For DMACC’s lean, high-performing facilities teams, that means there’s even more reason to stay ready for emergencies that could disrupt day-to-day operations—especially as enrollment surges in the fall.
Whether it’s a leaky lab ceiling, a burst pipe in a tech hall, or storm damage on the Ankeny campus, some situations are simply too large or time-sensitive for campus crews to handle alone. That’s where ServiceMaster by Rice – Des Moines becomes an essential partner—responding fast when disasters exceed on-site capacity.
Here’s a back-to-school prep checklist, crafted specifically for DMACC’s unique campus structure, year-round schedule, and responsive maintenance model.
Prioritize High-Use Buildings and Classroom Clusters
Unlike a residential university, DMACC’s facilities are more centralized—with academic buildings, labs, and administrative offices often located within walking distance of one another. But that also means issues can cascade quickly if not contained.
Before fall traffic increases:
Walk through high-use buildings like Bldgs 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 on the Ankeny campus.
Pay special attention to classrooms that host HVAC, welding, auto tech, and health sciences programs.
Note any ceiling stains, flooring issues, or signs of recent leaks.
A problem in one classroom can disrupt multiple overlapping class schedules—especially with accelerated and technical training programs. Address the small stuff now to avoid major headaches later.
Test Emergency Shutoffs and Review Utility Maps
When disaster strikes, speed is everything. A few minutes can make the difference between a small inconvenience and a building-wide shutdown.
Make sure your team:
Knows where water, gas, and electrical shutoffs are in each building
Has updated utility maps for every campus site
Can access emergency protocols, especially during night or weekend classes
Many DMACC buildings run into the evening and on weekends, so make sure your after-hours team is just as informed and equipped as your weekday crew.
Prepare Trade and Tech Buildings for Weather-Related Risks
Buildings that house auto repair bays, welding booths, industrial labs, or foodservice training programs have special infrastructure that can be affected by:
Flash flooding from summer and fall storms
Power surges or outages
Excess humidity or temperature fluctuations
Freezing risks later in the semester
Take time to:
Inspect floor drains and sump systems
Confirm emergency lighting and exit signs are functioning
Check insulation and temperature control in HVAC-heavy zones
If a mechanical lab floods, you’ll need more than a mop—you’ll need rapid structural drying, equipment protection, and air quality control. That’s where ServiceMaster by Rice comes in.
Confirm Your Emergency Response Chain
DMACC teams often wear multiple hats, which can lead to confusion in fast-moving situations. To ensure everyone knows what to do:
Clearly define who handles what type of emergency (e.g., HVAC failure vs. water intrusion)
Post a current emergency contact list at every facility's desk
Share direct vendor contacts with your leadership team
ServiceMaster by Rice – Des Moines should be included on that list as your go-to for emergency water, fire, and storm restoration. We know the layout of local campuses and can respond 24/7, with minimal disruption to classes and programs.
Evaluate Satellite Campuses and Outreach Centers
DMACC isn’t just Ankeny. Campuses in Boone, Carroll, Newton, Urban (Des Moines), and West Des Moines also need fall readiness.
For smaller campuses with fewer staff on-site:
Ensure maintenance leads have direct access to emergency vendors
Walk through each building to check roofing, basements, and exterior drainage
Create a streamlined communication plan for alerting central operations in Ankeny
Outreach centers may rely on a single staff member to respond to building issues. Knowing they can reach out to a partner like Rice makes a real difference.
Make Rice Part of Your Disaster Plan
Your team handles a lot—and handles it well. But when something happens that’s too large, too dangerous, or too fast-moving, you need a partner who can step in immediately and take control.
ServiceMaster by Rice – Des Moines has deep experience working with schools and colleges across Central Iowa. We’re not just restoration techs—we’re partners who:
Understand campus workflows
Can scale quickly to match the size of your incident
Communicate clearly and work alongside your team without disrupting learning
We handle:
Burst pipes and flooded classrooms
Storm and hail damage
Fire and smoke restoration
Mold containment and structural drying
With Rice on your emergency contact list, you’re never alone during a disaster.
Schedule Your Campus Risk Review Today
Whether you’re prepping for fall, building a response plan, or dealing with a sudden issue, we’re ready to help. Call ServiceMaster by Rice – Des Moines today to set up a facility walkthrough or to join our emergency response priority list.
