Drake University - Public Safety

Our Friends at Polk County Emergency Management and the NWS are letting us know that there is a slight risk for severe weather in effect, with a primary severe window between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM today for the Des Moines Metro. All hazards are possible, including damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, large hail, and isolated tornadoes (including the potential for a strong EF2+ tornado if afternoon skies clear). Please be weather aware and pay attention to any Bulldog Alerts issued to seek shelter.

An important message from our collegues in the Des Moines Police Department -

Des Moines Police posted a weather alert for Des Moines.
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An Extreme Heat Warning from the US National Weather Service for all of Central Iowa remains in effect. Today, Heat Index Values are predicted to range from 102 - 109 degrees between noon and 6 PM.

The Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan has been activated.

Activation of the plan includes:
Access to area homeless shelters
Activation of cooling centers
Free rides to these locations on DART buses
More detailed information and resources are available here:
https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/.../extreme-temperature.../

All in the impacted area are encouraged to check on family, friends, and neighbors, particularly those in these vulnerable populations:
Pregnant
Newborns
Small children
Elderly
Those with chronic illness

Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme heat, but these groups are more vulnerable than most.

Stay alert for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness
These extreme temperatures are also dangerous to pets. Stay alert for the signs of heat related illness in pets:
https://www.aspca.org/.../general.../hot-weather-safety-tips

IF YOU SEE A PERSON OR PET IN DISTRESS, CALL 911!
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🚨 Community Safety Update 🚨

The Des Moines Police Department has shared information regarding an increase in overdose deaths in our community. This is an important reminder to continue watching out for one another and to seek help when needed.

Please know that Drake Public Safety officers carry Narcan and are trained to respond to overdose emergencies. If you ever see someone experiencing a medical emergency, call Public Safety at 515-271-2222 or 911 immediately.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, help is available. Resources are offered through Broadlawns Medical Center and at additional locations throughout the City of Des Moines for those seeking treatment, support, or guidance.
You are not alone, and support is available. 💙

Let’s continue to look out for our community and prioritize safety and wellbeing.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CZd91xktG/

The Des Moines Police Department is cautioning the community as overdose deaths surge in April.

Since the beginning of the year, detectives with our Vice & Narcotics Control Section have responded to nine overdose deaths; seven occurring since the beginning of April.

In all of 2025, detectives investigated 15 overdose deaths.

As detectives continue to investigate the source(s), and they await complete toxicology reports, the preliminary investigations indicate that these are opioid-related overdoses.

If you are aware of an overdose happening, CALL 911.
Immediate action is essential to survival.

Iowa's Good Samaritan law protects people from prosecution for certain charges if they call 911 to report an overdose.

Resources are available today! The Polk County Health Department Harm Reduction strategy includes access to free Narcan, a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose, and Des Moines Fire Department, Polk County and Full Circle Recovery are partnering to provide the Rapid Engagement and Community Health (REACH) Program to treat, serve, and support people with opioid use disorder throughout Polk county. For more info on the REACH program, contact the DMFD team at 515-850-9737 or [email protected].

If you have any information regarding the illegal distribution of these deadly drugs, please call 515-237-1594. You may also submit tips using the “Submit A Tip” function on the DMPD mobile app, or online at www.crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com. You may remain anonymous.

⚠️🌩️ Weather Update 🌪️⚠️
Both today and Friday continue to carry the highest level of uncertainty for severe weather. Compared to this time yesterday, today now shows an increased potential for tornado activity. Everyone is encouraged to remain weather aware and be prepared to take action if a Tornado Warning is issued or if hail becomes damaging.
We’ll share updates as conditions change. Please stay safe.
🌧️🌪️

The new law is in effect.

As a reminder -

"Due to the new Iowa hands-free driving law, please be patient with us as we continue working to get everyone where they need to go safely. Because our drivers cannot answer calls while driving, there may be times when your call is not answered right away, but we will respond as soon as we are safely stopped.

To help us keep rides running smoothly, please only call if you need pickup from locations outside the two main pickup areas around campus. If you need a pickup from the dorms, Greek Street, or nearby apartments or houses close to campus, please give us a call".