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AC Failure Forces Nursing Home Evacuation in Heat
4 Jul
Summary
- 214 residents evacuated from Echelon Care and Rehab Center.
- HVAC system failed Friday night due to a water main break.
- Residents temporarily sheltered at Eastern High School gym.
On Saturday, July 4th, 2026, a full evacuation was underway for all 214 residents of Echelon Care and Rehab Center in Voorhees due to a complete air conditioning failure. The HVAC system was compromised late Friday evening following a water main break that flooded the system.
Emergency responders, including dozens of police officers and firefighters, began the evacuation effort around 5 a.m. amid predictions of temperatures soaring to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents were transported to Eastern High School, located across the street, and were also being moved to other nursing facilities.
As of 10 a.m. on July 4th, residents were being assisted onto buses and into wheelchairs, with staff and firefighters aiding the process. Medical supplies and IV poles were also moved. While the evacuation continued, no residents had required transport for injuries or heat-related illnesses, and they remained under the care of Echelon staff. Power was still functional at the facility.
Assistance for the evacuation extended to multiple counties, with buses and emergency vehicles arriving from Passaic and Middlesex counties. The operation was coordinated by local and county emergency management offices, along with the New Jersey State Police OEM. Repairs to the HVAC system are ongoing, though an estimated completion time has not yet been provided.
