School for deaf closed after boiler breaks, causing flood
Nov 21, 2024
GERMANTOWN, Tenn. — A school in Germantown is now temporarily shut down after a major water break throughout the building caused significant damage, canceling all classes and appointments at Memphis Oral School for the Deaf.
You can see water dripping from the attic down to the main floor, into classrooms and hallways. Instead of children walking the halls, workers in safety vests with ladders and hard hats worked to assess the damage.
CEO Andrea Baird says the boiler malfunctioned, leading to a massive break.
"Saturday, came into the building and immediately saw and heard water, which was an absolute shock and surprise," Baird said. "The equipment associated with that pipe malfunctioned. It was an absolute fluke."
A sign on the door notified parents that the school, for early intervention and education for children that have hearing loss, is now closed at least through next week.
"Our programs are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 3:30," Baird said. "So, we have children that are here with us all day long and now our kids are not here."
As the staff works through this, Baird says they are relying on prayers from the community and any donations will help.
"We serve outside individuals as well. And so now those appointments are canceled. And again, vital services that are not being able to be met for individuals that are right here in our community," she said.
If you would like to help the school, click here.