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I was on duty last night through this morning. Well, it was 6h15 am when i was awakened by the pager, a fellow janitor urging me to get to block no 8 where a fire was raging in an apartment on the 6th floor, thinking i was the first one who had had the first call, i was rushing to get dressed and run to block 8 to secure both elevators down on floor 1 but to my surprise, there must have been 10 or 12 fire trucks, countless police cars, ambulances and buses to transport and comfort the evacuees. Only one person was slightly affected by the smoke and the fire alarm system did it's job perfectly once more, except that this time, there were real flames and some people with full capacity and good health were foolish enough to stay in their apartments which makes me furious at our wicked ways as human beings. Why is it that we have to wait untill something really bad happens to understand the dangers that we face?

All 125 tenants and families are now evacuated from the building since the fire has damaged the concrete floor with a open crack that spans between 3 apartments, water everywhere and smoke that dirtied everything.

At around 6h00 am, the fire was coming out of the apartment on the 6th floor, exploding out the windows and climbing up over the roof, over the 8th floor, not a pretty sight for those who witnessed this, families in tears, children without sufficient clothing, cold and damp weather on top of that. I want to raise my hat to the emergency response team and to our local red cross who came in in a flash to help each and everyone.

If you my friends, bros and sisters alike, know relatives, friends, co-workers who live in big block apartments, please remind them to respect the fire evacuation procedures that we were all taught in school, we are responsible for our own safety, when you hear that bell, stay calm and leave the premisces.

I won't be surprised at the generosity my people will show towards the evacuees, i would not even be surprised that some of you are already on your knees and praying for them as well which is really appreciated, they will need lots of it...

Thanks for listening

Serge

[QUOTE=Serge Poirier]there were real flames and some people with full capacity and good health were foolish enough to stay in their apartments which makes me furious at our wicked ways as human beings. Why is it that we have to wait untill something really bad happens to understand the dangers that we face?
Serge[/QUOTE]

Oh, I hear you there. I was on a train, on the way home from work, we just got out of the underground line, and the train started filling up with smoke. The undercarriage was clearly on fire. I jumped out at the next stop to avoid the inevitable stampeed when the penny finally dropped with my co-commuters. As I was getting out, and had a clear path ahead of me, I said in a loud voice "the trains on fire, might be a good time to get off don't you think?" I got out and took a seat on the platform to wait for the next train. Not one other person did the same, and sitting on the train you almost couldn't see the other end of the carriage the smoke was so thick. Nobody was thinking for themselves at all. Seems people need to be dragged kicking and screaming out of their comfort zones. You really need to think for yourself, not just be part of the herd. I can't believe how stupid people can be sometimes.

Here endeth the rant.

Thanks Hesh, glad it caught your attention and i hope that it will bring more awareness!

Thanks Paul, your rant is well received here!

Wow, Serge, pretty exciting day there, huh? So happy all are safe.    Some people are really bone headed about following procedures and it makes it harder and more dangerous for everyone else. At school we have a fire drill once a month and tornado drills occasionally. Everyone gripes, but it will make a difference some day.
Keep us posted.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Thanks Ron, My wife works at the rental office of our premisces which is situated in our block BTW, She's had a tougher day than mine, started early morning comforting people's children and she got to work at around noon where they were busy all day and all evening trying to find temporary shelter for those in need, she also had the tough task, for security reasons, to say NO to those who wanted to get back in their apartments for their prescriptions, wallets, name it or to get their pets, i took her out to dinner to help her cool down, she closed the office at 9h00pm.

She's now on the sofa worrying because she can't help more and can't sleep..... i married an angel

[QUOTE=Serge Poirier] Why is it that we have to wait untill something really bad happens to understand the dangers that we face? [/QUOTE]

Hmm, I wonder how many doctors have said that right after delivering the terrible news to yet another smoker?

Glad to hear that all are safe Serge, your wife does sound like an angel.

Cheers

Kim

Well, you got that right Kim, i should be smoke free but i'm not there yet, still a slave to the dang tobacco.

Thanks for the reminder bud!

A lesson. I keep putting off building a sprinkler system in my shop. Anybody got one?

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Greg
http://garibaldiinstruments.com/

Sorry Serge my comment was not directed at you personally

Cheers

Kim

No problem Kim, it was just a personal reflection expressed with a foot in the mouth, i should not be judging anyone but i did, realised that i had a tree in my own eye!

Latest news, 4 of the tennants didn't have any insurance and lost everything, we'll do our best to help with all their needs, since the concrete slab has shifted, some of the apartments will be under reno for 3-6 months, we still feel lucky we didn't lose anyone we know in the fire.

Best regards

Serge

That is just heart breaking news. I am relieved to hear that no one was seriously hurt, but still. The fire has all but devastated family's lives. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.

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Aoibeann

Serge... Wow. What in the world is happening to our people? What are
you going through?

Thanks Lillian, very much appreciated.

James, fires are devastating but can also bring out the best from people, i think this one will help heal scars from mistakes of the past, people around here used to have prejudice against the people of block 8 because of how their block used to look inside and out, the block had just been renovated completely clean, one or 2 days before the fire occured, you could feel the pride from the tennants there that so wanted a clean place to live in. Well today, rich and poor alike are coming to help them out with love and support, food and temporary shelter, clothes and money.

If we look at the big picture, those sad incidents strengthens(sp?) the fabric of the community and cleanses us all of whatever we used to have that was bad. I for one was guilty of cursing at it's dirty tennants when trying to clean that block in the week ends that i was on duty, i had stopped when the block was renovated and now that i saw how beautiful these people are in what they're going through, i don't think i'll ever be the same again.

He really does work in mysterious ways, especially when you ask Him to cleanse yourself.

Love

SergeSerge Poirier39066.3038194444

It breaks my heart, man. I see my school families cleaning their area and
losing it all two days later. "Why did we do it?" is what I'd ask. "What was
it worth?" Do you see them pushing through that?

James, friday was a tougher day than the thursday, on thursday, most people were still stunned with the unknown and the size of the situation but yesterday, we could feel a lot of frustration from people who were becoming impatient because they couldn't get access to their belongings since there apartments is situated in the critical area of the building where the cement slab had shifted 6" downwards. All of the 6th floor will be relocated elsewhere in the city and so will be the apartments that were situated underneat the 601-602 and 603 units. The Clarion Hotel costs are being paid for the week end by the red cross and the city and lots of people were told that they could reenter their units on monday but that has changed now, a lot of uncertainties have occured. There is still hope for most of them, the reno and the cleaning team are doing a fantastic job, the owner of the buildings will do what he can to accomodate everybody too.

The tennants are doing their best to keep their daily routine organized through this nightmare though, today will be the big test, will keep you all informed.

Best regards

Serge

Serge best to you and your family. You haven't said as much given your unselfish ways but this must really be affecting you and your loved ones.

My thoughts to your tenants and you my friend.

Peace,
Anthony

Thanks much Anthony, me and my wife feel like we're being uplifted by all the positive thoughts and prayers that are sent our way for strength and encouragements that we give back to the tennants, they are wonderful people who accept the challenge with a lot of courage and patience, hoping that it will all be behind us soon!

Cheers

Serge

Serge, other than thoughts and prayers, is there anything we can do to help you, your wife and/or the tenants?

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Aoibeann

Thanks Lillian, the thoughts and prayers are already working, not much else you can do, half the tenants should be able to reintegrate their units either tomorrow or wednesday so that is good news, the fire alarm system is back up and functionnal, the cleaners might also be finished tomorrow, thanks for offering so freely, shows me the quality of people we have on here, i really appreciate your willingness to help, maybe just prayers for the team spirit to keep up and for those who will be relocated so they have a decent place to stay for Christmas!

TIA

Serge

I just moved out of a 22 story building here in Hanoi. I got caught in the elevator 4 times and decided that was enough. Having lived in Florida most of my life where few houses are more than 2 stories, I felt very uncomfortable living on the 15th floor.

I don't think people should live like that and I pity everyone who does. I guess I am just an old hippie who still wishes I was living in the country and growing my own food.

I don't like to see other people inside my building when I walk out in the morning. I don't like not having some personal green space.CecilJ39070.0982523148

I live on the second floor of our building, ready to jump out the window at any time!