Unexpected Evacuation Raises Communication Questions
Jordan High School was met with an unwelcome surprise when an emergency evacuation took place during second period on Tuesday, October 20th. Students vacated all buildings on campus and were led to the parking lot, soccer field, and nearby gas station and church, where they stood outside for 30 minutes.
Administration didn’t provide Falcon Post with information about this issue, but 300s teacher Mr Finger said he “believe[s] it was a stink bomb.” This information was not relayed over announcements. At the time of the evacuation, many students thought that the evacuation took place due to a gas leak.
"I kind of anticipated [the evacuation],” said senior Graham Donoway, who was in class in the 300s at the time. “I assumed that we would probably be getting let out for a gas leak because [there was] a really terrible smell giving me a headache.” Others were uncertain about the reason behind the evacuation, as this information was not communicated to them. “It’d be really nice if we had a mass communication system so people at lunch would know what was happening and not try and come back to a dangerous situation,” said senior Adah Schudel, who expressed concern over the lack of communication to students about the situation.
Freshman Rosie Edmunds shared that her elementary school frequently had emergency evacuations, so this was a familiar experience for her. “[People are] misinformed about it,” she said, commenting on the lack of information given to students.
Students and teachers in the 300s hall knew what was going on long before the announcement was made, but the situation was not shared elsewhere on campus until the intercom call. Senior Adam Cox explained that Mr. Finger had told his class about the leak beforehand. “Dr. Cardoza came into the classroom and called Mr. Finger into the hall…after Mr. Finger came back in, he said… ‘We’re probably going to be evacuated soon, but not right now.” Once the building was cleared, normal activities resumed.
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