Fanning Elementary Students To Return To School Tuesday After Earthquake Causes Damage

BREA (CBSLA.com) — An elementary school in Brea remained closed Monday due to concerns about asbestos exposure from damage caused by Friday's 5.1-magnitude earthquake.

Authorities were assessing Fanning Elementary School for safety and air quality after the quake, which struck one mile east of La Habra at 9:09 p.m. and knocked down several ceiling tiles with asbestos.

"Earthquakes have a tendency to loosen things up," Superintendent Skip Roland said.

The school was built in the 1970s when asbestos was used for fire proofing.

"There is nothing wrong with the air, but we did find some trace elements of asbestos in the falling debris," Roland said.

Authorities determined the stand-alone rooms at the school are safe for students to return to Tuesday, but the main building will remain closed to all students and staff for the remainder of the week at least.

Kindergarten and first grade classes will be held on campus, but grades 2 through 6 will be relocated to Laurel Elementary School.

For specific class assignments, visit Fanning's website.

5.1-Magnitude Quake Strikes La Habra An Hour After Smaller Temblor