Students and staff from all different organizations came together to create recovery teams in response to the flash flooding on Saturday, August 13.
“The teamwork and responsiveness of Union/CSIL staff and residence life were astounding,” Erik Kahl, Director of the Wyoming Union, said. “I turned the corner and there were 25 resident assistants and desk attendants standing there asking how they can help.”
Kahl recounts dividing students, staff, and service members into teams to work throughout the building in hopes of regaining control of water flow and mitigating damages.
“Our dedicated teams worked hard to get spaces presentable for tours and visits,” Kahl said. “It meant constantly checking ventilation and air circulation, moisture checks of carpet and walls, moving fans to dry areas out one patch at a time, coming in at 10:00 p.m. and again at 2:00 a.m. to empty dehumidifiers to maximize the machines’ capabilities, and communicating with campus partners constantly.”
Although it was over the weekend, some students found themselves willing to put in the efforts to restore the Union.
“As we were made aware of the flooding and senators were asked to help with cleanup, we realized we had the free time and swung by to do some manual labor,” Jared Clapper, an ASUW Senator, said. “I think that we were very fortunate that it wasn’t worse.”
Volunteer efforts were not limited to students, however, as service teams came in as quickly as possible to ensure that both Saddle Up and the start of the Fall semester were able to go according to schedule.
“The real work that happens when an event like this happens is thanks to the custodial staff, the maintenance folks, electricians, plumbers, elevator service people, all the people that quietly keep the campus going every day,” Paula Marti, Associate Dean of Coe Library, said. “We wouldn’t be able to get the building open today without any of those folks that are always keeping things going.”
Buildings that were less obscured by Saturday’s events put forward the idea to house student organizations and events in need.
“If we needed to offer space or something, I could see us trying to be good partners with the Saddle Up program or the Union to accommodate things if that need arises,” Jennifer Kirk, Marketing and Communication Specialist for the Coe Libraries, said.
Other collaborative efforts included placing sandbags along the north side of the Union in preparation for predicted oncoming rains and moving equipment into new storage areas until facilities can be assessed and repairs can begin.
