Chemical leak keeps students inside

THEODORE, Alabama (WALA) - Because of the chemical leak, emergency crews were forced to issue " a shelter in place." The order affected two schools in the area: Theodore High School and Hollinger's Island Elementary School.

Theodore High is about five miles from the site, but Hollinger's Island Elementary is just a mile from the company that reported the leak. Both schools were in lockdown until after 1 p.m.

Holllinger's Island Elementary on Hammond Road went into lockdown around 9:30 Monday morning.

School officials said the school followed emergency procedures for a potential chemical hazard. That included closing all doors and windows, and turning off the air conditioning.

"I'll talk to you later," the principal said through the locked door.

Principal Doris Tillman couldn't talk on camera, because she was locked in the school. But Tillman did say all unnecessary lights were turned off to keep the rooms comfortable, and the students continued with their lessons.

Some parents who heard about the spill came to get their children.

Chris Dees works near the leak site, and he was worried about his two children at the elementary school.

"It took our breath when we were down there, so I come here to get my kids out," Dees said.

Lisa Walker also came to the school. Like Dees, she didn't get in.

"I wanted to come get her for an early dismissal, or get her out, but they're saying that it's a shelter now and they're not letting the kids out," Walker said.

Most of the parents who came to the school to get their children left when they found out they weren't going to be able to get inside. But one grandmother wasn't taking no for an answer.

"Well, someone's gonna open the doors, ma'am," the grandmother said.

The woman had already picked up one of her grandchildren from Theodore High School.

Jackie Sheffield said her school was also in lockdown.

"They told us that we couldn't go outside, and they told us to seal off the doors and whatever, because the alarm went off, and they said that there was an ammonia leak," the student said.

The grandmother said both students had doctor's appointments. After a few minutes, the elementary student was released.

"You just need to know the right names," the grandmother said.

The shelter in place order was lifted around 1:15 p.m. at Hollinger's Island Elementary School.

The principal said the 300-plus students were never in any danger from the ammonia. She was told by emergency officials the wind was blowing away from the school.