January 24, 2002-Vol33n14: Q&A

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 14

THURSDAY, January 24, 2002


	SCHMITT

Lou Schmitt is director of Facilities Operations in University Facilities.

Overall, how did UB handle the record-breaking snow last month?
I think the staff at Facilities did a great job in coping with the severe weather we recently endured. As everyone is aware, this weather situation challenged us for several days, including Christmas Day. I mention that because many people in the university community may not be aware that the Facilities Operations group has a 24-hour-a-day/7-day-a-week responsibility. A diverse set of needs must be monitored and cared for, even when the university is "closed." This set of responsibilities encompasses important tasks like keeping roads open; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; utility services; grounds care; custodial services, and all the support services required to keep these operations functioning, such as vehicles, fuel and materials support. Keep in mind that many students live on campus year round. The dedication and teamwork of all the individuals involved in these processes worked effectively during this snow emergency. Many people worked double shifts to accomplish their goals, filling in for fellow workers who couldn't get to the university due to weather conditions. Many staff members bravely drove here to do their work.

Does the university have a master plan to deal with such a situation?
The university does have plans in place to handle snow emergencies. We also are developing plans to cope with other emergencies that arise during the year. This summer, we quickly developed and implemented plans to deal with statewide electrical power constraints. In general, this master plan involves constant communication among various departments in University Facilities, the University Police Department and senior-level administrators. Since circumstances change from snowstorm to snowstorm, the most effective way to deal with these issues is to maintain effective communication with all the groups involved.

Although most of the snow has melted, many Western New York homeowners now are dealing with problems due to ice and/or water damage. Are we having those problems on the two campuses?
There was very little damage to the buildings on campus. There are a number of areas where we focus dedicated attention to ensure that inlet air is available for heating systems. There also are some roof designs on some buildings that present challenges, so we frequently check the snow coverage and drainage in several critical areas around campus. In general, the preventive maintenance systems that are in place year round ensured that buildings and the mechanical systems within them performed exactly as they were designed to during this storm.

Has Facilities' ongoing maintenance program—many buildings have received new roofs in recent years—paid off?
University Facilities has focused on capital-renewal efforts on a number of building systems—roofs are just a part of what we have been addressing during recent years. And, yes, you are correct. The recent upgrading and renewal of many roofing systems on campus certainly are of great benefit during storms and subsequent thaw conditions. The continued attention to capital renewal, plus the preventive maintenance I mentioned before, are crucial to keeping building structures safe and comfortable during storm situations.

Just how is the decision to close the university due to inclement weather made?
There is a well-planned, snow-closing procedure. The plan involves cooperative efforts and communications among University Police, our grounds department, Chilled Water Plant operators, administrators within University Facilities and finally, communication with senior leadership—the senior vice president, the provost and the president. This procedure typically is followed during the early morning hours and decisions are made about opening for class the next day. However, we have used the system during severe daytime snowstorms as well.

What question do you wish I had asked, and how would you have answered it?
The question I wish you had asked me is, who are these people who keep the campus running during times when a major portion of the university community is away? They are a group of highly dedicated, competent individuals that carry out very difficult tasks. Some of them work in severe weather conditions; many have to deal with snowfall in addition to their regular daytime responsibilities. It is through their dedication that we are almost always open for business and we are able to continue our work. They are here—in many cases all night long—ensuring that roads are plowed, sidewalks are shoveled, heating systems function and utility systems serve our needs. I would like to say in closing that I certainly owe them a debt of gratitude and I would trust that the rest of the university community feels the same way.