A typical Friday morning in the Village of Farmingdale suddenly became an emergency scene involving police and fire authorities and local officials when a high-pressure gas main on Conklin Street unexpectedly ruptured on Feb. 27. Since the main services a majority of residential and commercial properties on Conklin, approximately 300 people had to be evacuated, including 100 homes and businesses and two nearby schools - St. Luke's Nursery School and Pitter Patter Early Childhood Learning Center.

According to Farmingdale Village Mayor Joseph Trudden, LIPA (Long Island Power Authority) workers were installing a new pole, digging a hole on the north side of Conklin St. The strong winds last Friday caused the gas odor to quickly travel through the neighborhood, making it obvious that an emergency situation had emerged.

The Farmingdale Fire Department was the first to arrive on scene and members assessed the situation and secured the area. Neighboring fire departments, including East Farmingdale, North Massapequa, Bethpage, Jericho and Plainview, provided mutual aid. The Hicksville Fire Department sent its Hazardous Materials Unit, which utilizes gas testing equipment.

Officers from the Nassau County Police Department's 8th Precinct were also on hand to provide assistance and immediately shut down Conklin Street to allow KeySpan Energy officials to work on shutting down the gas line valves and enable firefighters to continue securing the area. Mayor Trudden noted that he authorized village code enforcement to direct traffic along Main Street, since it quickly became overcrowded with traffic due to the abrupt closing of Conklin.

The children from St. Luke's were immediately transported to the Farmingdale Fire Department headquarters on Main Street, and children from Pitter Patter were sent to the basement of Roslyn Savings Bank. As a precautionary measure, Long Island Rail Road train service was temporarily suspended until the safety of residents, the first priority for village officials and local authorities alike, could be ensured.

"The first priority in a crisis situation like this is always safety," Trudden said, noting that children who were transported to the fire department from St. Luke's were provided with refreshments and enjoyed watching the big screen TV. "They seemed to be having a great time over there. We also opened village hall for anyone who may have been displaced. Everybody was very cooperative in ... what could have evolved into a much more serious problem."

Volunteers from the American Red Cross checked in with the children at both locations and were on standby in case overnight coverage was necessary. The situation was quickly under control however, and people were permitted to return to their homes and businesses after about 2 1/2 hours.

The mayor noted that local authorities were amazing in their response time and assistance throughout the entire ordeal.

"The response was unbelievable. All emergency personnel who responded really came together and put forth an outstanding effort," he said. "The whole community really came together, which was very nice to see."