White Powdery Substance Found at Middle School in Enfield: UPDATE

ENFIELD, CT — Discovery of a white powdery substance in a bathroom prompted emergency personnel to respond in full force to John F. Kennedy Middle School Wednesday afternoon.

Officials of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) were called to the scene, and authorities determined the building did not need to be evacuated. Students and staff were prevented from nearing the Blue House bathroom where the material was found, school officials said.

The substance was determined to be medicated powder, according to the DEEP.

A message released by Enfield Public Schools stated:

"This afternoon we were notified that a white powdery substance was found in one of the bathrooms at JFK. Emergency authorities were immediately called, and students were directed away from the bathroom where the material was found. Once emergency personnel arrived, they informed us that although the materials did not seem suspicious, the state DEEP should be called out of an abundance of caution. Authorities also confirmed that the building did not need to be evacuated in any way, and that only the bathroom area in question should be blocked off until DEEP arrives. At no point were any students or staff in any danger, but as a precaution, emergency authorities wanted confirmation of what the substance was. As soon as confirmation of the substance is known, we will communicate this to everyone. In the meantime, we did not want parents, students or staff to be alarmed by the increased presence of safety personnel in the building. The remainder of the day will continue as normal, with the only exception of the blue house bathroom being inaccessible to students while this area is under investigation."

Photo credit: Tim Jensen

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