WATERBURY, Conn. -- What were believed to be explosives found at a Waterbury home Friday morning really turned out to be drill bits, police said.

Police said a man was cleaning out a Seamore Street garage for the homeowner, who had recently passed away. The person cleaning the shed found what was originally believed to be loose sticks of dynamite or flares, police said.

The bomb squad was called to the home and determined that the discovered objects were drill bits that were inside red boxes that read "Warning," and in small print said, "Sharp."

Seymour Street was closed between Russell and Wilson streets and seven homes in the area were evacuated. Fire officials said the 17 residents of the evacuated homes were put on a city bus.