A “Red Alert” was sent to student, faculty and staff cell phones all over DePauw’s campus at 3:56 PM Tuesday, alerting those on campus that a gas leak had been reported and that all those in the nearby area should stay inside.
The leak has been traced to a gas line somewhere in the vicinity of Ohio and Locust Streets. It was reported to DePauw Emergency Services at 3:42 PM.
“A few minutes after the time they had responded they started checking the area. At about 3:52 [PM] they asked us to put out a message recommending shelter,” Emergency Management Coordinator Doug Cox said.
Emergency Services, the Greencastle Fire Department and the Police Department were called to the scene to ensure the safety of those nearby and stop the leakage.
Angela Nally, Director of Public Safety, was called out of a meeting to do her part in ensuring that the campus community stayed safe.
“I sent out the text alert and we notified WGRE and there’s a scrolling banner on the DePauw website.”
Nally and Doug asked all those on or near the South Quadrant of campus to stay inside.
“They were checking Delta Gamma, Hogate; those sorts of areas,” Cox said.
The fire department moved from building to building, alerting people to what was happening, ensuring that they stay safe, and taking gas readings.
The buildings that were checked are in the clear and the leakage has been isolated, according to Cox.
Though no direct cause has been contributed to the leak as of now, Nally did comment saying that she noticed utility work being done earlier today in the Ohio Street Lot.
“I would bet you that’s what it is-utility work.”
However, no official cause for the leak has yet been named.
Cox and Nally are both thankful that DePauw’s alert systems worked so efficiently and that Fire Department and emergency service teams were able to quickly secure the area.
“[People have been] disrupted in their activities maybe, but not harmed,” Cox said.
“It’s good news, it’s looking good: nobody’s in danger,” Nally added.
An “All Clear” for the leak was sent out at 4:22 PM, though the fire department continued to ask the community to avoid the intersection of Ohio and Locust Streets.