Voorhees Township, NJ – An overnight HVAC system failure at Echelon Care and Rehabilitation Facility prompted the precautionary evacuation of all 214 patients Friday night and Saturday morning, according to the Voorhees Police Department.
Police said officers and the Voorhees Township Fire Department responded to the facility, located at 1302 Laurel Oak Road, at approximately 10:35 p.m. Friday after receiving reports that the building’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning system had failed.
Patients relocated to emergency shelter
An immediate coordinated response was launched involving the Voorhees Police Department, the Voorhees Township Office of Emergency Management, the Camden County Office of Emergency Management, the New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management and other partner agencies.
At approximately 7:30 a.m., officials and facility staff decided, out of an abundance of caution, to temporarily relocate all 214 patients to an emergency shelter established at Eastern High School, located directly across the street.
The evacuation was completed safely by local fire and EMS personnel, with no medical emergencies or injuries reported during the operation.
Patients continue receiving care
Facility staff notified family members about the relocation and offered them the opportunity to pick up their loved ones if they wished.
Officials said patients continue to receive medical care, medications, meals and other essential services while housed at the temporary shelter. The Voorhees Police Department and partner agencies are also coordinating the transfer of patients to appropriate healthcare facilities throughout New Jersey.
Authorities reported no injuries or heat-related illnesses associated with the HVAC failure.
Key Points
- An HVAC failure prompted the evacuation of 214 patients from Echelon Care and Rehabilitation Facility in Voorhees Township.
- Patients were safely relocated to Eastern High School with no injuries or heat-related illnesses reported.
- Officials are coordinating transfers to healthcare facilities across New Jersey while patient care continues.
