Winter Storm Response
When it comes to keeping campus streets safe in winter, you can bet that UT Facilities Services and UT Police are on sight before the first snowflake falls. In fact, a number of Facilities Services team members began their trek to campus on Sunday, January 14 to get ahead of the snow and frigid temperatures.
Our staff stayed on campus to clear roads, sidewalks and parking lot surfaces to ensure that everyone on campus had the safest experience possible. For many, this meant 12 hour shifts and/or spending multiple nights away from their families. It’s in times like these that Facilities Services has the opportunity to embody the Volunteer Spirit to the fullest.
While campus remained closed for the duration of the snow and ice, Facilities Services stayed ready to respond to building issues caused by subzero temperatures.
Over the course of January 14 – 22, crews cleared approximately 400 acres of snow and ice so that the spring semester could begin without further issue.
In addition to these efforts, our Utilities Services team maintained 24/7 coverage of plumbing, electric, cooling/heating equipment, and our campus steam supply which provides domestic hot water and building heat to much of campus.
Without the help of the dedicated individuals who make up our Facilities Services team, this would not have been possible. Thank you for the countless hours you’ve put in during this snow event.
Fast Facts:
- 400 acres of campus cleared of snow and ice
- 260,000 lbs. of rock salt used across campus
- 90,000 lbs. of ice melt used across campus
- Hundreds of FS staff involved in effort
Equipment Used:
- Dozens of Hand Shovels
- 2 Snow Plows and Salt Spreaders
- 15 skid-steer loaders
To see more of our efforts, visit our social media accounts.