CO detectors approved in Atlanta public buildings, schools

ATLANTA — Atlanta’s Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to put carbon monoxide detectors in all public buildings and schools.

Before the vote, Channel 2’s Craig Lucie spoke with Atlanta Councilman Michael Bond, who said city attorneys were complicating things.

“I don't really see what the issue is,” Bond told Lucie.

Bond said he can't see why people wouldn't want CO detectors in schools, especially after the leak at Finch Elementary.

“We want to make sure going forward that all public buildings, particularly schools, have this kind of equipment and detection system,” said Bond.

The ordinance landed on Tuesday’s agenda after 44 children and 10 adults had to go to the hospital Dec. 3.

Investigators said the leak was caused by two maintenance workers who left a boiler valve in the wrong position.

Georgia law does not require detectors, so that's why the City of Atlanta wants to step in.

But Bond said lawyers are being lawyers.

“They are saying we are not prohibited in the state law from enacting laws that impact the school system, but it is implied that we are, and that argument doesn't follow any logic,” said Bond.

After Lucie’s interview with Bond, he went to the building next door to interview city attorneys. They told him they couldn't comment on the issue.

He also went to Atlanta Public Schools across the street to find out the latest on their Finch Elementary investigation.

“Well the investigation remains open so there is nothing to report today. I can tell you we have installed CO detectors at Finch Elementary,” APS spokesman Stephen Alford said.

WSBTV