As flattened buildings burn, it’s school as normal in Lockwood

Thursday, Jan. 8, 1998 | 8 a.m.

"Structure's important for the kids and there's no reason school should not be going on today," lead teacher Susan Standish said on Wednesday.

Dan Piel, superintendent of the Storey County school district, said Gary Hames, the county's chief emergency manager, assured him that a huge black plume of smoke over the plant several miles away didn't pose a threat to the school or children.

"There apparently was no reason to call off classes and we felt it was important to have a normal school day, or as normal as possible," Piel said.

The school was empty when the blast occurred shortly before 8 a.m. Teachers normally begin arriving about 8:30 a.m. followed by pupils at 9 a.m. with classes starting 15 minutes later.

Pupils were kept inside during the normal recess times as the buildings continued to burn, she said.

Ms. Standish said about eight of the school's 79 students were kept home by parents.

A temporary shelter was set up inside a large multipurpose room in case smoke or ash particles started drifting into the school.

"It was never needed. There was no problem with the air quality," Piel said. "We were able to continue the school day and never once worried about the safety of our children."