Evacuation of the Complex on February 1, 2010

At approximately 11:50 am on Monday, February 1, 2010, the Fire Department evacuated the entire complex, which includes the school, the public library, the Y.M.C.A. and the arenas.  This was in response to an unusual odor and poor air quality detected in the hallway connecting Bishop O’Byrne High School to the rest of the complex.  The odor was strongest in a washroom in that area. 

The students were outside for approximately 45 minutes.  In that time we made arrangements for Calgary Transit busses to shuttle our students to Centennial High School, which is our evacuation site in case of an emergency.  Just prior to the first bus leaving, we were given permission by the Fire Department to re enter the school.  The administration at Centennial was very helpful and willing to make every accommodation to house us for the remainder of the day if need be.

The Fire Department and Hazardous Materials Unit reported to me that they could not find the source of  the odors.  With their air quality testing instruments, they deemed it safe to come back into the school.  Our maintenance department has also check the area since the incident and has not identified any issues or concerns.

We delayed the start of afternoon classes to give students  an opportunity to have a full lunch period.  Afternoon classes started approximately 30 minutes late, and we were back to our regular schedule by Period 4.

The students were extremely cooperative and mature during the entire process.  I am very proud of them!

Sincerely,

Peter Teppler
Principal, Bishop O’Byrne High School