April29, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Gas Leak Forces Evacuation of Local School

A gas leak this morning forced the evacuation of Evangel Christian Academy students and faculty from the campus’ main building just after 8:00 a.m.

Officials had contacted the fire department through 911 complaining of an odor of natural gas in the building. Firefighters and hazardous material technicians had the building that, along with classrooms houses the school’s office, evacuated after finding a 100 parts per million of gas reading on one of their instrument monitors. The number represented a level less than having explosive capabilities but still a hazard.

After the building was evacuated, fire and Reliant Energy Arkla pinned down the leak to an air handling unit on top of the building. Apparently, the gas supplied the unit with energy for heating purposes during the winter and cooler month while air conditioning the school in the summer. The gas was not being used but was escaping from the unit nonetheless.

No injuries were reported and after several hours the faculty and students were able to return to the building. ###