The residents of 1142 and 1144 E. Mifflin Street got a rude awakening in the wee hours of Sunday morning, December 3, as fire engulfed the rear of their three-flat. Fortunately everyone, including three cats, escaped without serious injury. The third-floor tenants exited with just seconds to spare; two of them gulped a lot of smoke and required hospitalization for oxygen. Firefighters battled dense smoke and frigid temperatures for about three hours to extinguish the fire. Neighbors in homes on either side of the building were evacuated, and those homes were soaked to keep the fire from spreading. Even the vinyl siding on one house next door was melted. The survivors were cast into the December cold in their bathrobes and stocking-feet.
Together the fire, smoke and water, caused considerable damage to all three units. The third-floor residents lost almost everything. Unfortunately, no one carried renter's insurance. The local Red Cross and Salvation Army provided much-needed help with food vouchers, some financial help, and crisis counseling, but there were immediate needs for warm clothes, winter boots and other household items. So neighbors launched a donation campaign to get the survivors back on their feet.
The response was overwhelming. Folks all around the neighborhood came forth with clothing, kitchen items, blankets, bookshelves and more. Thanks to the generosity of local residents, the Mifflin fire survivors have replaced many of their basic losses, and even had items left over to donate to local shelters and charities.
The fire survivors wish to extend their deep appreciation to everyone who came forth with donations and support. An event like this serves to demonstrate the real meaning of "neighborhood".
But this event should also demonstrate how important it is for renters to insure their belongings. A brief call to a local insurance agent revealed that a $10,000 policy costs about $80 a year. In fact, if you get a policy with the same company as your car insurance, you can probably get a discount up to 20% on both policies; this can almost pay for the renter's policy.