http://lysistrata.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] lysistrata.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2008-11-28 02:42 pm
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House Fire

I'm posting from my phone, so I don't know if anyone else has reported this yet.

Willow Ave. house fire. I'm one of the tennants. There's a huge post about it in my lj, it's recent and public, i don't know how to link from this interface.

Basically it was an electrical fire that started in the wiring in the top floor over a guestroom that was occupied by a recently dumped friend of ours. We didn't know it was on fire until the firemen came charging in. Someone on the outside called 911 but didn't tell us.

No one was injured, all of the dogs and valuables were removed either shortly before evacuation or after the fire was extinguished.

The fire was pretty small but hard to get to. They had to cut a huge hole in the roof. The top floor is pretty wrecked and there's water damage through the bottom two floors. Luckily they didn't have to break any windows or doors, so the property is secured and we can come and go as we please, but the 4 of us as well as the 3 tennants from the other unit are homeless.

The damage is pretty extensive to the building. It will need complete rewiring, a new chimney, and a new roof, not to mention the basic fact that the top two floors were drenched and all that will have to be refurbished. Also the city cut off all utilities, so the pipes in the basement are just waiting for a good freeze to burst.

The building inspector said it would be at least 4 weeks, but we think that's a little overly optimistic, especially as winter approaches, so we are looking for a new place. There's another public post on my lj with specs on that, but basically we need room for 2 couples, 2 small dogs, 2 cars, 2 scooters, and my garden which is all containers, but I'd love some ground to plant in.

We are insured, luckily, so we get lots of new furniture, I'm trying to look on the bright side..

Also, does anyone know anything about public adjusters?

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[identity profile] ringrose.livejournal.com 2008-11-28 08:02 pm (UTC)(link)
I believe it's the landlord's responsibility to put you in alternate housing.

[identity profile] upsidown.livejournal.com 2008-11-28 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
where was the fire on willow?

[personal profile] ron_newman 2008-11-28 11:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm very sorry to hear about this. I can't help you with temporary housing, but perhaps we in [livejournal.com profile] davis_square can take up a collection for your other immediate needs?

[identity profile] kalimba21.livejournal.com 2008-11-28 11:58 pm (UTC)(link)
whoever's responable for the house really should turn off the water and drain the pipes, toss a bit of antifreeze in the toilets too. In this way, nothing will freeze and burst. If the heat is by steam, these should be drained too.

[personal profile] ron_newman 2008-11-29 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
Here is a link to your journal's two posts about the fire, and another link to your most recent post looking for a new apartment.

This is a longshot, but perhaps the company that manages my apartment building and two others nearby, ActionVest Management, has an opening? You won't be able to reach anyone there until Monday, unfortunately.
Edited 2008-11-29 00:47 (UTC)

[identity profile] mogwaikisses.livejournal.com 2008-11-29 11:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Why do you need a public adjuster? I'm an adjuster with a huge company, and your company should have adjusters as well, and it should be fine.

Unless they are local, they will probably hire a public adjuster to come out anyway. But whatever the case, that is a cost you should not be responsible for.

[identity profile] seborn.livejournal.com 2008-11-30 04:16 pm (UTC)(link)
(This comment contains no leads on housing, sorry.)

Your landlord should have tenant relocation insurance as well, to cover your expenses (packing, moving, hotel stays, etc.). It's only $750, but it helps. If your insurance covers relocation due to fire, this may not kick in until you've exhausted the amount your insurance provides.

If you have renters' insurance, you should be able to deal with your insurance company yourself. A public adjuster will take some of the paperwork out of your hands, but they'll also take a cut of whatever you get, which may be hefty. Find out up front. If you're insured, they're mostly useful for dealing with other people's insurance, but as mogwaikisses says, your insurance company should have its own adjusters. I wouldn't bother.

This page (http://www.ci.cambridge.ma.us/~EM/After%20fire.html) from the city of Cambridge helps with general post-fire information. Ignore the obviously Cambridge-specific phone numbers.

Also, if you call the Red Cross (617-274-5200), they will set you up with a case worker who can help you with advice on finding a new place, your rights as a displaced tenant (relocation insurance), smoke pellets to get the smell out of your clothes, etc. As someone with renter's insurance, you're in better shape than most, at least.