Skiatook -
The Osage Nation Child Development Center in Skiatook has been closed temporarily by tribal officials after detecting potentially harmful levels of carbon monoxide within the facility.
At approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday evening, an employee at the facility began to experience common symptoms associated with being exposed to carbon monoxide. Upon notification, tribal officials contacted the Skiatook Fire Department to do an inspection, which resulted in the detection of higher-than-normal carbon monoxide levels. Following the initial inspection, tribal officials immediately evacuated the facility.
"When we were made aware of this issue, we were determined to take every precautionary measure necessary, including the removal of the suspect source, to ensure the safety of the children and employees at the facility," Osage Nation Division Leader of Education and Culture Joseph Tillman said. "We made the decision to shut the center down until we had the proper licensed officials check the site."
While it has not been officially confirmed, the "suspect source" was believed to be a backup battery pack for one of the facility's computers.
Following an inspection by heat and air professional and representatives from Oklahoma Natural Gas on Thursday morning, unsafe carbon monoxide levels could not be detected. However, the facility will remain closed until Monday, Jan. 30. Another thorough inspection by licensed officials will take place for safe measure prior to reopening the facility.
"We take issues like this very seriously, and we always strive to be proactive in situations like this," Tillman said. "We will not open the center back up until we are absolutely sure it is safe to do so."
