FM Staff News

When a steam outage occurs, it can affect heating, hot water, and other building systems across campus. This overview explains how the campus steam system works, what impacts may occur during an outage, and what to expect as service is restored. What is the campus steam system? The university operates a central steam system that produces and distributes steam across campus. Steam is a critical utility that supports:

Winter storms can leave behind more than snow. Even after precipitation ends, cold temperatures and freeze–thaw cycles can create hazardous conditions across campus. Facilities Management crews work continuously to clear snow and ice, but lingering cold can slow cleanup and cause surfaces to refreeze—sometimes overnight. Thin layers of ice may form in areas that appear clear, especially in shaded locations, high-traffic walkways, near building entrances, and around structures with sloped roofs, where snow or ice may slide off without warning.

In a typical year, the College Park area experiences an average of five to six snow or ice events with an average seasonal snowfall of around 13 inches. Long before the first snowflakes fall, the Facilities Management (FM) landscape/snow removal team begins winter weather preparation, and whatever winter brings, FM is prepared. 

The fans are in the stands, the teams are ready, and the atmosphere is electric as tipoff approaches. It’s the moment everyone sees — and the one the Intercollegiate Athletics Facilities (ICA) team has been preparing for behind the scenes. In the hours leading up to game time, ICA staff are focused on the details that make a smooth game possible: floors cleaned and polished, heating and ventilation systems checked for comfort, restrooms and locker rooms cleaned and sanitized, and lighting systems tested and ready.

As Stanley R. Zupnik Hall moves steadily toward its 2026 opening, Facilities Management is already playing a key role in ensuring the building doesn’t just look impressive but also functions efficiently, sustainably, and reliably from day one.