Chemical spill causes evacuation at Schenectady Co. nursing home

GLENVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10)– The Glendale Home in Glenville was evacuated Thursday morning after a chemical spill in the basement. Schenectady County officials said that firefighters were on site, and no injuries were reported.

Glenn Craig, Chief of the Alplaus Fire Department, stated that a contractor was onsite mixing chemicals when there was a chemical reaction that wasn’t supposed to happen, reportedly releasing odorous fumes in the building. According to the county, the evacuation was a precautionary measure.

The Schenectady County Hazmat Team was dispatched to the facility, along with the Niskayuna and Scotia Fire Departments and the Glenville Police Department. The Hazmat Team was able to ventilate the building, remove the chemicals, and deem the facility safe to return to. Officials confirmed that all residents who were temporarily removed from the building have been safely returned to their units.

County Emergency Management staff were already at the facility conducting a preparedness training exercise when the spill happened. According to officials, responders “were able to work closely with Glendale staff to ensure residents remained safe and well cared for — highlighting the critical importance of ongoing training and emergency preparedness.”

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded so quickly and compassionately to today’s incident,” Schenectady County Legislature Chair Gary Hughes stated. “Our County Hazmat Team, Emergency Management staff, Glendale team, Red Cross, CDTA, local fire departments, and County Manager worked together seamlessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. Today was a true example that working together works.”