Due to a power outage, more than 80 residents at the St. Andrew’s at Francis Place nursing home in Eureka were evacuated today, July 27, as temperatures climbed to 97 degrees.
Eureka Fire Protection District Chief Scott Barthelmass said crews were called to the scene about 10 a.m. to help transfer residents from the home to nearby empty apartment units in Summerville of St. Andrew’s and the clubhouse.
Power was restored to the nursing home about 3:45 p.m., and Barthelmass said his crews are once again helping transfer residents.
Barthelmass said the outage occurred after water compromised the electrical system in the mechanical room. The home’s backup generator also was compromised.
Electrical workers were able to restore power to the building, according to the St. Andrew’s Facebook page, and are working to fix the mechanical issue to prevent further outages.
“Our residents’ safety is our priority, and we will continue to provide comfort to them during this event,” the facility said on social media. “Thank you for your patience and all of the assistance from our staff and first responders.”
Barthelmass said the Valley Park, High Ridge and Metro West fire protection districts, along with the North Jefferson County Ambulance District, assisted in moving the residents.
A representative from St. Andrew’s was not immediately available for comment.
