A backpack full of electrical wires sticking out was found outside an office at Mahopac High School Friday, forcing the evacuation of some 3,000 students, officials say.

According to Capt. William McNamara, of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, at around 10:50 a.m. a hallway janitor spotted an unattended backpack under a rear stairwell, which contained wires and a battery.

Within 20 minutes, all students and staff from Mahopac High School and Mahopac Falls Elementary School, which are housed in the same campus, were taken away by buses, leaving everything behind. Students were dropped off at their homes, while staffers had to come back later for their cars and belongings.

The Westchester County bomb squad that was called to the scene determined the items in the backpack were harmless, but the ordeal had some parents very concerned for the children's safety.

"I guess when you're not there to do anything about it, you don't feel like you have any control to help your children because you're not there," says Dawn Lupinacci.

Authorities say there was no threat made against the school. They are currently working to establish whose backpack it was, and why it was left under the stairs.