Gas odor causes evacuation of Westview Manor
A strong gas odor in the facility prompted the evacuation of Westview Manor Nursing Center in Peabody about 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Staff members noticed the odor and contacted Peabody emergency crews and the gas company, Atmos Energy. Peabody police officers, firefighters, and ambulance personnel responded to the call.
Tammie Yoder, a USD 398 bus driver who lives a short distance from the home, brought her bus to the facility and transported residents and staff members to the Peabody United Methodist Church while the investigation proceeded.
After the residents were evacuated, emergency crews and Atmos Energy employees discovered that the source of the odor was a gas burner on a cook stove in the kitchen which had been left on. The building was cleared of the gas fumes and residents returned to the facility.
Peabody fire chief Ronnie Harms said, "We were very impressed with the efficiency of the staff at Westview. They did an excellent job getting the residents out of the building quickly. They are to be commended for responding so well to an emergency."
