In just one week, three carbon monoxide leaks were reported at Broward County Schools, prompting swift action and new measures from the district. Cypress Bay High School in Weston experienced two separate gas leaks, and Oriole Elementary in Lauderdale Lakes had a similar incident. These back-to-back leaks have raised alarms, particularly because carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if undetected.

The first leak at Cypress Bay High School on Aug. 23 sent four staff members and a paramedic to the hospital. A second leak followed just days later on Aug. 26, forcing the school to evacuate part of the building. 

Oriole Elementary reported its own gas leak the same week, which led to an evacuation and sent another employee to the hospital. Though the specific gas at Oriole Elementary was not confirmed as carbon monoxide, the district treated the situation with the same level of caution.

These incidents have left many parents, students, and staff worried about school safety, and rightfully so. Before the leaks, Broward schools were not mandated to have carbon monoxide detectors installed — a fact that had surprised many, including PPCHS senior Fabrizio Cioffi. 

Cioffi finds the events “extremely shocking” and views them as a “warning sign.” He stresses the critical importance of detecting carbon monoxide, describing it as a “silent killer.” According to Cioffi, “these detectors are vital!”

Thankfully, students and faculty here at Charter can rest easy. “We took the steps previously,” said Principal Bayer. “At the Academic Village Campus, we have carbon monoxide detectors in our kitchens and cafeterias already.”

However, with many schools in the district remaining without them, the Broward County School Board quickly passed a measure to install carbon monoxide detectors in over 230 schools. The project will cost approximately $55,000, but officials believe it’s a necessary investment in school safety. The final approval for district-wide installations is expected soon, with detectors to be installed by the end of the year.