Gwinnett County Schools and Colleges Adjust Outdoor Activities After Chemical Fire
This past Sunday morning, the BioLab chemical plant in Rockdale County caught fire, creating quite a stir in the metro Atlanta area. Many residents reported a strong chlorine smell and haze lingering in the air more than 24 hours after the incident. As a result, multiple school districts and colleges in the region are taking steps to protect the health and safety of their students and staff. Here’s a rundown of what various educational institutions are doing in response to the situation.
City Schools of Decatur
“Safety is the top priority at City Schools of Decatur,” officials announced. Although there are currently no air quality advisories being issued by emergency management, the school has decided to play it safe and move all outdoors activities inside for the day. This includes the cancellation of outdoor afterschool activities and games. Better safe than sorry!
DeKalb County Schools
The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is keeping a close watch on developments related to the BioLab fire, maintaining regular communication with DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA). Although no safety orders have been put in place for DeKalb County as of now, school administrators can choose to keep students indoors as a precaution. They have also informed parents that any outdoor events scheduled for today have been canceled.
Fulton County Schools
Fulton County Schools are also monitoring the situation closely. The principals have the discretion to limit or move any outdoor activities indoors, following guidance from environmental agencies based on the differences across communities in the area.
Gainesville City Schools
As winds changed direction, Gainesville City Schools made the wise decision to cancel outdoor activities during the school day. They are keeping safety as their main focus and promise to provide updates as they receive more information regarding the fire.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) closed all its campus facilities in Clarkston and Lithonia until further notice due to the chemical leak and fire in Conyers. The Newton and Rockdale campuses are also closed, with faculty and staff working remotely for the remainder of the day. They have committed to keeping a close eye on air quality and will share updates when new information becomes available.
Georgia Gwinnett College
At Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), safety is the highest priority. They are actively monitoring air quality and are recommending that both students and staff limit outdoor activities. Also, GGC has taken the extra precaution of preventing outside air from coming into their buildings. According to the National Weather Service, the smoke should begin to lift around noon, with afternoon indoor classes still set to continue as planned.
Gwinnett County Schools
Initially, Gwinnett County Schools canceled all outdoor activities and events. However, they have since updated their policy, leaving it up to individual schools based on local conditions. Some schools may still cancel their activities, so families are encouraged to check with their local school for the latest information.
Hall County Schools
Due to the chemical fire in Conyers affecting local air quality, Hall County Schools are following suit by canceling all outdoor activities for the day. They are in dialog with the Governor’s office and local emergency management to assess the situation and will provide updates as they become available.
Newton County Schools
In Newton County, schools are cooperating closely with local emergency management agencies to evaluate the community’s condition. Given the extensive evacuation area in Rockdale County and the closure of nearby Interstate 20, they have opted to close all schools tomorrow, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Rockdale County Schools
Rockdale County Schools are currently on a fall break. However, twelve-month employees are working remotely, and all buildings are closed as the situation develops.
It’s clear that safety is taking precedence for all educational institutions in the area, reflecting a *community-first* mentality during this challenging time. Authorities will continue to monitor the chemical fire situation carefully, and further updates will be shared as they arise.
