While on routine patrol Wednesday, Feb. 6, Floral Park Police Officer Michael Saville was notified of a strong odor of natural gas at the intersection of Tyson Avenue and the Creedmore Spur.

According to Chief Frank Wakely, Jr., the Floral Park Fire Department responded at 3:18 a.m. with a zone call response. Its investigation revealed "high levels of natural gas in several buildings surrounding that intersection and also underground in the sewer and phone conduits."

Assistant Chief Kevin Kelleher requested a general alarm at 4:03 a.m. Evacuation of Tyson Avenue residences began shortly thereafter at 5:05 a.m., Chief Wakely, Jr. said, after further investigation determined the natural gas was starting to move north on Tyson Avenue toward Jericho Turnpike. Residents were moved to the Floral Park Recreation Building and the Red Cross was notified to tend to them.

At 6:45 a.m. KeySpan deemed the situation under control; residents were allowed back into their homes. As a result, nearby John Lewis Childs elementary school had a delayed opening of two hours.

Chief Wakely Jr. noted that mutual aid fire departments consisted of Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, Stewart Manor, New Hyde Park and Elmont.