Gas leak forces evacuation of Georgia nursing home

Firefighters and police assist in evacuating residents from the Oaks -Scenic View nursing home due to a gas leak on April 24, 2024.Photo byJerry Neace/NowHabersham.com

The Oaks-Scenic View assisted living facility was evacuated late Wednesday morning, April 24, due to a gas leak.

Baldwin Fire Department was dispatched to the facility at about 11:35 a.m. Wednesday due to a possible gas leak. According to Baldwin Fire Department Captain Ross Jackson, upon arrival, Baldwin units determined that there was in fact a gas leak and cut off all utilities to the facility.

Jackson states that due to the number of residents at the facility, Baldwin contacted Cornelia Fire Department, Banks County Fire Department, Habersham County Emergency Services, and Lee Arrendale Fire Services to assist in the evacuation. Habersham County Emergency Services had two ambulances respond to the scene. Banks County Emergency Services had one ambulance on scene.

Jackson states that they evacuated more than 130 residents and an unknown number of staff members from the facility while Baldwin firefighters ventilated the gas from the building.

Atlanta Gas and Light arrived on scene and took over operations ensuring that the gas was cut off to the facility.

According to Jackson, no injuries were reported, however, two residents had to be transported due to medical emergencies unrelated to the incident.

Staff and firefighters return residents to their rooms after receiving the all-clear.Photo byJerry Neace/NowHabersham.com

Jackson states that they were in contact with the head of the facility early during the incident in the event that the facility would have to be evacuated long term. “Had it turned into some kind of major event, we did have measures in place to get the residents to other facilities.”

The residents were returned to their rooms at around 1:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon after receiving the all clear.

Jackson states that even though the gas is off, it will not affect the operation of the facility. “Gas utilities are cut off here but gas only goes to the water heaters, coolers, and cooking appliances. It’s not to any HVAC system.”

He applauded the staff at the facility stating, “The staffing did an amazing job as far as evacuations and getting themselves outside.”

Jackson also commended those that responded, “Everyone here worked together today and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s actions.”

The facility administrator was unavailable for comment.