'Unintentional' Panic Alarm Activation At Howell School Probed

HOWELL, NJ — Howell Township authorities were investigating what set off a panic alarm at Aldrich School on Friday afternoon that rattled nerves but did not cause any injuries.

Howell police posted a statement that the department received notification of the panic alarm activation at the school but patrol officers "determined (it) not to be a legitimate alarm activation," the statement said.

Police were trying to determine if it was an equipment malfunction or operator error, they said.

Howell Township school district officials called the alarm activation "inadvertent."

"Although there was no intention to cause alarm, we are certainly comforted that our first responders were quickly on scene," the district said in a statement. "Please know that the students, staff and community were not in danger at any time and remain safe."

District officials also suggested parents speak with children who are students at Aldrich "to reassure them that these procedures are in place to maintain a safe learning environment for all."

"School leadership will be following up with staff to gain information regarding procedures, so that we may learn and further strengthen our process through this experience," the district's statement said.

Panic alarms in the Howell schools connect the schools to police in case of an emergency and allow school personnel to alert police without calling 911.

Aldrich Elementary School, image via Google Maps