Paul Zinni, Superintendent
18 King Street
Norfolk, MA 02056
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019
Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net
King Philip Regional Middle School Dismissed Early Due to Power Outage
NORFOLK — Superintendent Paul Zinni reports that students at the King Philip Regional Middle School were dismissed early today due to a power outage at the school.
At approximately 12:45 p.m., a tree fell on power lines on King Street causing a power outage at the middle school, which activated the school’s backup generators. Active power lines fell onto the ground on King Street. The region has been impacted by high winds and rain throughout the day today.
Out of an abundance of caution and because of the interruption to the school day, the decision was made by school administrators to dismiss students early at 1:40 p.m. Parents were sent a message about the early dismissal and were notified that if they were picking their kids up, to come at 2:20 p.m. to allow time for the buses to leave.
The Norfolk Police and Fire Departments quickly responded to the school, as well as a crew from Eversouce. As of 3 p.m. the utility company was still working to restore power.
Students who walk to school were helped across the street by firefighters in order to safely make their way home.
At this point, the incident is not expected to impact school on Friday. However, if this changes, parents will be notified via a ConnectEd message.
“I want to thank parents in advance for their patience and understanding during this incident,” Superintendent Zinni said. “I also would like to commend our administrative staff, the office staff at the middle school, our first responders and the utility workers for their fast responses, vigilance and professionalism during what could have otherwise evolved into a hectic situation.”
Eversource workers will have to cut power to King Street to allow for the tree to be safely cut into pieces and removed from the road. Residents in the area may be impacted while the work is ongoing. Power is estimated to be restored by approximately 7 p.m.
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