Students and staff at Reservoir High School in Fulton were rushed off campus Wednesday afternoon after a bomb threat triggered a full evacuation and building sweep, turning an already hot day into a tense and uncomfortable wait outdoors.
Police Sweep Finds No Explosives
On June 10, officers with the Howard County Police Department responded to a reported bomb threat at the school and carried out an explosives sweep of the building, according to FOX45 News. Police told the outlet they did not find any evidence of explosives and said the investigation into who made the threat remains active.
Heat-Related Illnesses During the Evacuation
While everyone waited outside, the heat started taking a toll. Crews from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services evaluated six people for heat-related illnesses, and one child was taken to a hospital while five others declined transport, according to WMAR-2 News. Officials did not immediately provide additional details on the patients’ conditions.
Families Told to Wait for Updates
As word spread, parents were told to stay away from the campus and wait for instructions instead of rushing to the scene, according to Patch. An email obtained by local media, cited in that report, said all students and staff had been safely evacuated while police methodically searched the school.
Investigation Continues
Howard County police said detectives are still working to track down the source of the threat, according to FOX45 News. No suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced.
Heat Safety Resources
Events like this highlight how quickly heat can complicate emergency evacuations. The National Weather Service provides guidance on spotting and preventing heat-related illness in children and adults, according to the National Weather Service. Parents and schools are encouraged to keep students hydrated and move them to shaded or air-conditioned areas as soon as it is safe to do so after an evacuation.
