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TAYLORVILLE — During the recent blizzard the North School Gym sustained damage from burst pipes and will be shut down for a period of time while the district assesses the damage and devises a repair plan. The pipes burst due to extreme temperatures and winds that froze several pipes on both ends of the gym. One burst pipe in the lobby area was connected to the sprinkler alarm system which alerted the fire department.
The fire department responded immediately to the school. Next the 911 center altered Principal Karen Kuntzman, who arrived at the school along with Secretary Lori Oyler (who responded to the alarm). There was a significant amount of water pouring into the building (at this point it was covering the principal’s shoe). The principal contacted Chris Dougherty, (Superintendent), Steve Walters (Maintenance Director), and Chris Westrick (Maintenance Supervisor).
The team assessed the site and determined that there were four pipes burst(or bursting): Maintenance room, boys locker room, in the foyer of the gym (The initial burst pipe was hidden inside the wall yet activated the alarm.0, and outside foyer of the gym. There was immediate action taken to release the water pressure and shut off the water supply. Then Chris Westrick called in support from Ryan Coleman (Maintenance) to assist with the extraction of the water. The alarm/sprinkler system repair company arrived and worked on the system. The system was experiencing lines snapping and needed to be shut down. There was a significant amount of water that seeped through the gym floor underneath the boards which is the culprit for the wood floor damage.
The architect, maintenance department, and contractors have been conducting a comprehensive assessment of the entire building for damage (drywall, ceiling, pipes, sprinkler system, room, walls). This process will take some time and involve the district’s liability insurance carrier.
It is expected the floor will need to be removed, the surface dried/sanitized, and then new flooring installed.
North School gym damaged during extreme weather – The Breeze … – Breeze Courier
