Robert F. Nicely Elementary School in Greensburg has been without working fire alarms for nearly a month after a power surge damaged the system.

The issued stemmed from West Penn Power replacing a nearby line on April 18, Greensburg Salem School District Superintendent Kenneth Bissell told TribLive news partner WTAE.

The staff was immediately informed of the issue, but families only learned all the details Friday, when the district sent a letter explaining the situation.

“Since we had a plan to serve as our fire system while replacing the damaged one, we did not want to create undue panic or stress when systems and plans were in place to maintain safety and security in accordance with code,” Bissell told TribLlive. “The system will be replaced as soon as approved parts and services are available in early June.”

The message notes the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department, city code enforcement and other officials have been consulted since the start.

“We have to make decisions on what is going to maintain calm and order,” Bissell said.

He added the district had to weigh whether “putting something out that may create more disruption” was worthwhile, knowing students and staff were protected and the building was compliant with fire safety standards.

In the absence of an alarm system, the district has operated under a fire watch. The protocol involves two designated school police officers patrolling the building to monitor for potential fire hazards, according to WTAE. Their responsibilities include checking for overheating equipment and smoke as well as ensuring fire extinguishers are in place.

If any concerns arise, the officers are instructed to call emergency services, alert staff and start an evacuation.

Plans are in place to fully restore the system over the summer. The process will be especially complex because of the building’s age, according to Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tom Bell, who told WTAE “it’s not something that can be done overnight.”

“In the interim, the current measures, which have been approved and developed in consultation with city officials, will remain in place,” the district said in its letter.

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