UPDATE A broken sprinkler pipe caused “extensive damage” and forced closure of Westport’s Greens Farms Elementary School today and will keep it closed Tuesday.
Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon told the Board of Education tonight water damage was “extensive” at Greens Farms Elementary School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Superintendent of Schools Elliott Landon told a Board of Education meeting tonight that school officials were alerted to the problem by a motion detector that went off at about 2 a.m. today. He said water froze and burst a sprinkler pipe.
“There was extensive damage to one major wing of the building,” he said. “Extensive work was done throughout the day today beginning early this morning essentially to pull the place apart—walls, ceilings, ceiling tiles, insulation, all of which has to be moved and destroyed.”
He added :“Because there is so much work that has to be done and so many people going in and out of that building that it’s our belief that the safety and security of the kids is best served by closing again tomorrow. We’re certain we will open Wednesday. Staff will be in tomorrow preparing for Wednesday so we should be in good shape.”
Principal John Bayers alerted parents in an early morning phone call of the problem and late today sent another message saying school will be closed Tuesday for a second day.
“The bulk of the damage occurred in the art room and the first and second floor hallways in that area,” he said.
“The maintenance staff, as well as outside contractors, made great progress today in addressing the issues brought on by this situation, but they will need additional time tomorrow to continue their work.
“To ensure that we address all concerns appropriately, Dr. Landon, the maintenance staff and I have decided to close the building for students tomorrow (Tuesday). We anticipate reopening the school on Wednesday.”
Meanwhile, Westport firefighters were busy for the second day today responding to broken water pipes and sprinkler heads due to the extreme cold.
Among those reporting water problems Sunday and today were the Westport Library, Birchwood Country Club, the Nyala Farms office complex as well as numerous private residences.
In a statement the Westport Fire Department said: “Extremely cold weather brings the risk of frozen and broken pipes. The Westport Fire Department is already aware of significant damage to several homes and buildings that has happened over the weekend.
“Although the weather has warmed today, tomorrow and the next few days bring a renewed risk of water damage due to frozen and burst pipes.
“If you are worried about a pipe break, consider whether these steps might help:
“Pipes that have frozen in the past or near exterior walls are obvious candidates for special attention. Keep checking the area and look for signs of a frozen pipe or a slow leak, then take action.
“Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.”
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
“During severe cold weather, resist the urge to lower thermostats to save money during the evening, overnight and on the weekends when the building is unoccupied.
“Get a water alarm, preferably wired into your security system
“See Red Cross’ advice at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm/preventing-thawing-frozen-pipes or DEMHS http://www.ct.gov/demhs/cwp/view.asp?a=1933&q=537556
“If you discover a leak or flood:
“Locate the main water shut off valve in your home and mark it for quick identification. Learn how to turn it off, and educate others in your household. If a water pipe bursts, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.
“Call for help to stop the leak, this might be your facilities staff or the fire department.
“Be careful. Be sure it is safe to enter the area if there is standing water on the floor, electrical hazards are a real risk.
“DO NOT ever use an open flame to thaw pipes.”
If we are experiencing extremely cold weather, we should take note on all the necessary safety precautions because we are high risk of extensive damages in your property. It’s best to contact experts if there are any leaks to prevent larger damage in our property.