Originally Posted by
twinkiedooter
There is also the zoning laws to consider in this type of situation. If there is one adult and 5 kids up in that attic then quite possibly the homeowner has severely overreached the limit of people in the occupancy of this attic. They need to get different housing to properly house all 5 kids. There are quite a lot of house fires in the winter and I'm sure that the attic is not properly heated so the potential of a housefire is very, very real in a situation like that. Not having any outside staircase is illegal. Yes, I know that the homeowner may want to help out, etc, etc, but in reality he's the one who is breaking the law having the mother and the 5 kids live illegally in the attic - even if it is only to sleep. That is worse than atrocious living accommodations for 5 kids.
I don't condem you for calling up and inquiring. You may want to follow up with the zoning dept and see just how many people would be allowed to live in that attic - probably not as many as are living there now.
If social services can find alternate housing for this family, they should do this immediately. It may just be the difference in surviving a house fire and perishing. I was in a house fire and I was on the ground floor. Almost didn't make it and suffered severe smoke inhalation damage so you can imagine how I personally feel about this subject. Unless you have been there you have absolutely no idea. I still suffer some 30+ years now from the smoke damage done to my lungs. Keep that in mind when you contact the zoning dept as you just may save those children's lives in the end.
Twinkie, I was too caught up earlier to properly reply. I am sorry that this happened to you and it is a shame that you still suffer ill effects from that fire. I am very happy that you made it out though. Best to you and I hope you are feeling well. I imagine what meds you are on and possibly an oxygen tank of some sort. I sure hope not but I'm glad you did survive.
Geeeees! I am sorry about the ENTIRE "Quote". I thought I only hi-lighted and quoted from the point where you wrote,
"I was in a house fire... etc." Sorry about the length of this.