Evacuation at Wilde Lake High School Reported

COLUMBIA, MD — A mechanical malfunction led to an evacuation at Wilde Lake High School Wednesday morning, school officials said.

The evacuation occurred at 8 a.m. and by 9:15 a.m. had concluded, according to the statement from Wilde Lake administrators to families.

A motor had malfunctioned in a classroom's HVAC unit in the ceiling, officials said. The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services responded and disconnected the unit, which authorities reported was slated for replacement. Then students returned to class.

"Our students and staff did an outstanding job during the evacuation this morning and should be commended," administrators said in a statement.

Full Statement from Wilde Lake High School on Feb. 15

Dear Parents/Guardians: Wilde Lake High School evacuated this morning around 8:00am due to a strong burning odor in a classroom on the third floor. It was determined that the smell was from a malfunctioning motor in a classroom HVAC unit located in the ceiling. The Howard County Fire Department and HCPSS Building Services inspected and cleared the area. That particular classroom HVAC unit was disconnected and the motor will be replaced. All students have returned to class and we are back to normal operations. Our students and staff did an outstanding job during the evacuation this morning and should be commended. As always the safety of your children, our staff, and our school will be our highest priority. Every year with the help of HCPSS Central Office, we develop an Emergency Operations Plan. In the event of an emergency situation at Wilde Lake High School or the surrounding area, the plan provides a framework for emergency operations that will enhance our ability to protect students, staff, visitors, and school facilities. Additionally, the plan sets forth staff members’ responsibilities during and after a wide range of emergency and disaster situations that may occur. Parents can help by:
*Giving the most accurate, up-to-date health and emergency information on your child to our school office and your child’s teacher
*Register to receive e-communications from Wilde Lake High School and HCPSS
*Ensuring your own safety
*Tuning in to local radio and television stations and checking the HCPSS' website at http://www.hcpss.org Once again, we want to assure you that in cooperation with the HCPSS and local agencies, we will continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety of students, staff, and community. We thank you for all you do in support of Wilde Lake High School and this community.

Photo of Wilde Lake High School by SheepNotGoats via Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.