During students’ fourth-period classes today, the power went out and students and staff evacuated the school immediately.

Teachers were expecting an announcement or further instructions the moment power completely shut down, but fire evacuation alarms could only be heard clearly in the main gyms. Teachers then had to step out in the hallway and do as the rest of the crowd was doing, evacuating to the north side of the school where both Activities and Main Entrances are.

Regular dismissal time was delayed at 3:30 p.m. due to students and staff being unable to re-enter the building. Many students and staff left personal items that hindered them from leaving campus.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the process and the Aurora Fire Department came in time to resolve the issue of a generator that supposedly went out.

As of now, the power has been restored at Smoky, and telephone service and wifi are also back on track. Smoky is now safe to enter for students and staff and the school will operate on its normal schedule tomorrow May 4.