'Unusual Odor' Prompts Childcare Center Evacuation At Navy Base

NEWPORT, RI — The Child Development Center at the Newport Navy base was evacuated Monday morning during a possible hazmat situation. Naval Station Newport officials said an "unusual odor" was coming from the laundry room, prompting the children to be moved to another building.

"It was really more of a non-event, but we always err on the side of safety, especially when children are involved," said Lisa Woodbury Rama, the public affairs officer for the naval base.

The concerns began when workers noticed a chemical smell coming from the laundry room, which was later identified as coming from several common cleaning products. According to a press release, Navy Safety personnel tested the area and confirmed that the air quality in the building was safe.

There are more than 200 children ranging from infants to preschoolers at the center. All of the children were moved to a separate building and dismissed early.

The center will be open as scheduled on Tuesday.