A recent discovery in the backyard of a Virginia home led to the involvement of bomb technicians when a landscaper unearthed a cannonball while working on the home’s curb appeal. Perry Weller, the deputy chief of community risk and reduction with the City of Staunton Fire and Rescue, was called to the scene to assess the object, which was still partially buried in the ground. Due to the location of the discovery and the history of Staunton, Virginia, Weller and his team believe the cannonball dates back to the Civil War-era. This was not the first time Weller has encountered a stray cannonball on a Virginia property, as he had dealt with a similar situation in the past six years.
Upon arriving at the scene, Weller quickly identified the object as a projectile, possibly a cannonball. He warned those who found it not to handle the item until it had been carefully assessed, as there was the possibility of the projectile being active or live. In order to safely handle the situation, Weller called in the Virginia State Police Bomb Technicians for support. It is important to exercise caution when encountering these types of objects, even if they appear old, as they could still be potentially dangerous ordnance. Weller emphasized the importance of not moving the projectile and contacting emergency services immediately if something suspicious is discovered buried in the ground.
In the case of unearthed Civil War-era projectiles, it is crucial to handle them with extreme care and not to attempt to move them without professional assistance. Weller advised leaving such items in place and contacting the appropriate authorities for evaluation, as they could still pose a risk of being active or live ordnance. He also highlighted the fact that not all cannon projectiles were round and that any strange objects found buried in the ground should be reported to emergency services for further investigation. By following these safety protocols, potential risks associated with encountering historical ordnance can be minimized.
The discovery of the cannonball in the backyard of a Virginia home serves as a reminder of the historical significance of certain areas and the potential hazards that may lie buried beneath the surface. Weller’s experience in handling similar situations shows the importance of proper protocol and caution when dealing with suspected ordnance, regardless of its age or appearance. By raising awareness about the risks associated with handling historical projectiles, Weller hopes to prevent any accidents or injuries that may occur as a result of mishandling such items. It is essential for individuals to take proper precautions and seek professional assistance when encountering suspicious objects to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
The involvement of bomb technicians in assessing the cannonball discovered in the Virginia backyard underscores the potential dangers associated with historic ordnance. Weller’s actions in calling for support from the Virginia State Police Bomb Technicians demonstrate the importance of handling such situations with caution and relying on trained professionals to safely evaluate and dispose of potentially dangerous items. By recognizing the potential risks and taking appropriate measures to address them, Weller and his team were able to ensure the safety of the individuals involved and prevent any potential harm that could have occurred from mishandling the cannonball. Their swift response and adherence to safety protocols serve as a valuable example for others facing similar circumstances in the future.
Overall, the discovery of the Civil War-era cannonball in the Virginia backyard highlights the importance of exercising caution and seeking professional assistance when encountering suspicious objects with potential historical significance. By following established safety protocols and contacting emergency services for evaluation, individuals can help prevent accidents and injuries associated with handling old ordnance. Weller’s experience and expertise in handling such situations emphasize the need for proper training and awareness when dealing with potentially hazardous items. Through his efforts, he aims to promote a safer approach to addressing historical artifacts and ensure the well-being of those involved in similar discoveries.
