The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
School’s fire safety debated
Officials disagree on number of smoke detectors needed for new $87.35M Woodrow Wilson Middle School
MIDDLETOWN — Emergency officials have been voicing concerns about fire safety at the $87.35 million combined middle school project now underway on Wilderman’s Way. State regulators approved plans for the installation of a sprinkler system, smoke detectors and other measures at the state-of-the-art Woodrow Wilson Middle School, but at least three fire officials have implored the building committee to purchase additional smoke detectors.
The new facility, expected to be complete in August 2021, will house sixth-graders from Keigwin Middle School as well as seventh
and eighth-graders at Woodrow Wilson.
“The school is meeting the code requirement. That is bare minimum,” South District Fire Chief Michael Howley said. “They’re saying the sprinkler system in there is more than a sufficient detection system for fires. The sprinkler is only going to go off if something’s burning, and it makes sufficient heat to melt the sprinkler head,” he explained.
Once water begins to flow, the fire department is alerted, but the situation is more complicated when smoke is involved.
“No detection will be going on prior to an actual sprinkler head going off. That fire has a few minutes to get going. You start getting panicked, you get a lot of things going on in the school. We are not even notified until the sprinkler goes off or somebody calls 911,” the chief explained.
Common Council Majority Leader Gene Nocera, vice chairman of the Woodrow Wilson/Keigwin Building Committee, said the protection system is more than adequate.
In fact, Nocera, former principal at the school, said the panel went a step beyond and approved additional smoke alarms to be installed in the locker rooms, classroom quads and bathrooms at its Thursday meeting. Air ducts and air-conditioning units also will be outfitted with detectors. The state does not require smoke detectors in hallways or each individual pod.
The committee that evening approved a maximum of $63,000 be used for equipment to be paid for out of the project’s contingency fund.
“They’re very aware of the necessity of the safety of our youth and children who are going to be in that building,” Common Council Minority Leader and building committee member Phil Pessina said.
“If we were rehabbing the present junior high school as it sits on the footprint today, absolutely we would have gone 100 percent to add all those smoke detectors based on the fire history that South District responded to,” he added.
“If we’d made no changes, it would still be the best fire protection system in Middletown, and quite possibly the whole area,” Nocera said. “The state doesn’t mess around with their review.”
Howley, Fire Marshal James Mastrioanni and Deputy Chief James Trzaski spoke during the building committee public session late last year. “We want it 100 percent covered,” the chief explained. “We still feel that way.”
He commended panel members for their diligent work on the school project.
“A sprinkler system is not going to do it. It is not, and should not be, the only device in this school,” Howley insisted. “When the building committee is gone, the engineers are gone, and the contractors are gone, we have to deal with this school for the next 25 years or longer.”
Nocera knows the former building very well and recalled a few instances involving smoke during his tenure. “We knew quickly, if not immediately, where the smoke was coming from.”
The school has safety protocol when an alarm goes off and participates in monthly practice drills, as required by the state.
“Any smoke in the building, the fire department is going to know quickly where it’s coming from,” Nocera countered. “Kids know how to exit the building, regardless of what the event is. I am completely satisfied with the system’s design, but now, with the enhancements, it’s Triple A-plus.”
Howley said he understands the building committee has to be mindful of not dipping too much into its reserve fund, but he would still like to see full coverage.
“To do the whole school, it is a good chunk of change, and I understand the finances. I understand the limitations they have. This is going to be a hightech school. Unfortunately, it’s not going to have full smoke detection,” the chief said.
“This is our business, and we know problems happen in schools — no doubt about it. To endure the safety of the public, and students going in and out of the facility, we wanted full detection,” Howley said on behalf of himself, the fire marshal and deputy.
“It went through a very rigorous state review and already passed. That in and of itself is huge,” Nocera said.
Pessina said he and Nocera based their decisions on expert advice from the architect and builder.
“I am 150 percent pleased with the safety,” Nocera explained. “It meets all state regulations. I couldn’t be happier,” the councilman said. “I don’t want the community to think we would ever shortchange the safety of the school. That’s absolutely out of the question. That’s never going to happen.”
Nocera wants the public to know the issue is not about money. “It’s clear we have to be careful with the contingency fund. The first thing the board and school system wants is for it to be up to state-required codes. That’s why it’s so rigorous and expensive.”
“We’ve said to South Fire and other officials throughout the negotiating process the upgrades have been approved by the state. We respect the fire department and thank them. We met throughout and made reasonable accommodations. They seemed pleased,” Nocera said.
“I am very confident the fire protection that’s going to be placed at the new school is going to be topshelf,” Pessina said.
“We’re going to provide the best junior high school we can to the citizens’ expectations. Our residents have given us a charge to build this school. They expect us to do it within budget,” and be fiscally mindful in the process, Pessina said.