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A propane leak inside William Floyd High School on Sunday temporarily cast doubt on whether the school would be able to open as scheduled for the first day of classes on Tuesday, the school district reported.
The gas leak occurred Sunday night when a gas valve malfunctioned in the south side of the building in Mastic Beach. The Mastic Fire Department and a hazmat team investigated the leak, the district said in a statement.
The Brookhaven Town Fire Marshall’s office also responded to the scene, where power was shut down as the first responders monitored for elevated gas levels. The district said first responders issued an “all clear” signal at 3:30 a.m. on Monday and that the high school is expected to be open on Tuesday.
“Gas has been completely expelled from the tank, the valve has been repaired and all is safe,” the district announced just before 10 a.m. on Monday. “The building recorded zero readings of gas so the building is also safe to enter.”
Lingering smell possible on Tuesday
The district explained that an odorant fire officials used will likely cause a lingering smell inside the building.
“Custodial and facilities staff are working hard to air the building out in time for school tomorrow,” the district said in its announcement. “Additionally, when the power was shut down, the network went offline including phone systems. We will continue to keep the community informed if anything changes regarding the high school schedule tomorrow.”
The building was already scheduled to be closed for Labor Day on Monday. Though the junior varsity football team held its scheduled workout in the school’s weight room, the district said. Volleyball practice was cancelled and other fall sports practiced outside.
“Thank god no one was hurt!” Andrea Thomas McAlonen commented on the district’s Facebook page. “Accidents happen and glad [there] was a a quick response.”
Top photo source: William Floyd School District
