MIDDLETOWN, R.I. — A malfunctioning steam room at a YMCA in Rhode Island pumped out so much steam that it triggered an a sprinkler system alarm on Saturday morning, prompting an evacuation.
In a statement, the Middletown Police Department said officials rushed to the Newport County YMCA in Middletown around 9 a.m. for a possible explosion but later learned an excessive amount of steam had set off the building’s emergency sprinkler system.
A 58-year-old woman was hurt but officials said it was a minor injury. The YMCA would remain closed Saturday, police said.
The Rhode Island YMCA was evacuated earlier this week after an alarm was triggered by a malfunctioning steam room. The incident occurred during the early morning hours when members were using the facilities for their daily workouts.
According to officials, the alarm was activated when the steam room’s temperature sensor malfunctioned, causing it to overheat and trigger the fire alarm system. As a precautionary measure, staff immediately evacuated the building and contacted the fire department to investigate the situation.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the incident. The fire department was able to quickly assess the situation and determine that there was no actual fire present. Once the steam room was shut off and cooled down, members were allowed back into the building to resume their activities.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and inspections of gym equipment and facilities. Malfunctioning equipment can pose serious safety risks to members and staff, as seen in this case with the steam room triggering a false alarm.
The Rhode Island YMCA has since taken steps to address the issue and ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and functioning correctly. They have also implemented additional safety protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Members of the YMCA have expressed their gratitude for the quick response and professionalism of the staff and emergency responders during the evacuation. They are thankful that no one was harmed and that the situation was resolved quickly and efficiently.
In conclusion, while incidents like this can be alarming, it is important for gyms and fitness facilities to have proper safety measures in place to protect their members and staff. Regular maintenance and inspections of equipment can help prevent malfunctions and ensure a safe environment for all who use the facilities.
