Severe cold weather is moving into our region, and while Facilities Management is taking proactive measures to protect campus infrastructure, your cooperation is critical to help reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes in campus buildings.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Maintain Normal Thermostat Settings
   Please do not turn thermostats below 68°F (20°C), even in unoccupied spaces. Lowering temperatures may seem like a way to save energy, but it increases the chance of interior plumbing freezing. Facilities Management has already adjusted building HVAC schedules to keep them at “occupied” temperatures rather than going into energy savings mode when unoccupied.
2. Keep Interior Doors Open
   Interior doors help circulate warm air throughout your space. Please keep doors to closets and storage rooms open, especially if they contain water pipes or mechanical equipment.
3. Allow Warm Air Flow Around Plumbing
   Avoid blocking heat sources with items such as furniture, boxes, or equipment. Keep vents and radiators clear so heated air can reach plumbing located in interior walls and under sinks.
4. Report Drafts or Cold Spots
   If you notice significant drafts or cold spots near plumbing, especially around exterior walls or windows, please submit a Facilities Work Request. Early reporting allows us to address these issues before they lead to freezing conditions.
5. Open Cabinet Doors
   In areas with sinks, especially in kitchens or break rooms, keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air from the room to circulate around the pipes.
6. Run Faucets Slightly, if Advised
   In certain areas that are especially cold or at risk (like exterior labs or maintenance spaces), Facilities Management may advise you to let faucets drip slightly overnight. We will communicate directly with affected departments if this is necessary. If you think there is an area that is prone to this, contact us to discuss.
7. Know Who to Contact Immediately
   If you see water leaks, hear pipes banging, or notice a drop in water pressure, report it right away. Quick reporting can prevent small issues from becoming major damage.

Submit an online work request and call the Facilities Service Desk at 417-836-8400 to report issues or request assistance.

Why Your Actions Matter
Frozen pipes can lead to significant water damage, service interruptions, and repair costs. Facilities Management is monitoring weather forecasts and building systems around the clock, but we depend on your vigilance and cooperation to protect our campus community and facilities. We will have staff on campus this weekend to speed up response times.

Thank you for your attention and help in keeping our campus safe and operational during severe weather.