3:00 p.m. — It is now safe to return to the area.
The City Schools of Decatur will be holding children who reside in the area an extra 15 minutes this afternoon. When they are released, Police Officers and Firefighters will be in the area to make sure that the children get in their homes safely and open the windows.
City staff will begin shuttling people back from the Decatur Recreation Center to their homes within the next halfhour.
Representatives from the Atlanta Gas Light Company will be out this afternoon and evening to check and reset pilot lights in affected homes.
There were no injuries or property damage.
2:00 p.m. — The gas line has been shut off but it will still be several hours before residents will be able to return to the area.
12:50 p.m. — The following streets are being evacuated: 300 to 600 blocks Coventry Road; Merrill Avenue; Chelsea Drive; Pope Circle; Ridley Circle; Kathryn Avenue and Mockingbird Lane to but not including Westchester Drive.
At this time, all residents residing in those specific areas need to open various windows throughout their residences then immediately evacuate from the area. The City of Decatur has established the Decatur Recreation Center as the staging and evacuation point for all residents. The Recreation Center is located at 231 Sycamore Street within the City of Decatur.
If you need transportation assistance to the Recreation Center, Police and Fire units are standing by at Coventry Road @ Scott Blvd. and will assist you in relocating to the recreation center.
12:20 p.m. — Earlier today, DeKalb County crews hit a gas line which has resulted in a major gas leak centered along Coventry Road. The City is evacuating houses in the immediate area and providing the Decatur Recreation Center as an option for people.
We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.
