Ruptured water line forces 13 tenants into motel
“I personally believe some of these issues could have been avoided had the proper action been taken and the water lines bled.” –Sheriff John Kirk
BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Thirteen residents of the Skeeze Ward Manor (age 62 and above) were forced from their homes when water pipes supplying the sprinkler system burst in the ceiling and flooded floors, walls, appliances and personal belongings. The residents are taking temporary shelter in the Brookshire Inn in Inez and could use hot meals.
Martin County Sheriff John Kirk said the insurance company is paying for the temporary lodging but provides no meal allowance. He is appealing to churches, organizations and individuals to help provide meals to these residents.
“There’s no way meals can be prepared in the motel rooms,” Kirk said. “And we all know that eating out, especially if you have to get it delivered, is an expense that can be too much for elderly residents living on a limited income.”
The residents have been displaced since the incident occurred Dec. 27, following the Martin County Water District’s shutdown of the water treatment plant. The area was experiencing frigid temperatures, and according to maintenance workers, when the water district turned the water back on the pressure was too much for the pipes.
“I have always been told, and have witnessed it being down throughout the years, that anytime the water is off due to a break or is turned off for any reason, the workers are supposed to go to a fire hydrant in that area and turn it on to bleed excess air and any sediment and contaminants in the line,” said Sheriff Kirk. “I don’t see that happening anymore. It seems that just about every time we have an outage, there are reports of lines that have burst because they couldn’t handle the pressure when service resumed. This will not apply to every single outage, of course, but it happens a lot.
“I personally believe some of these issues could have been avoided had the proper action been taken and the water lines bled.”
Kirk said the displaced residents might have to stay in the motel through the weekend.
A few local restaurants have donated meals and given discounts. A couple of businesses and individuals donated money toward the purchase of meals. Kirk and volunteers contacted several organizations that could not prepare meals due to no water supply.
“I want to thank each and every person that has helped with this situation,” said Kirk. “Whether they made phone calls to ask for donations of food, donated money, prepared food or made deliveries to the Brookshire Inn, you are appreciated. It truly takes us working together in times such as these to care for those in need, who find themselves needing assistance through no fault of their own.”
Martin County Judge Executive Lon Lafferty praised Kirk’s efforts, saying he has done an outstanding job seeing that the needs of the elderly residents of Skeeze Ward Manor received warm meals.
“Our sheriff has taken the bull by the horns and quickly formulated a plan to ensure these individuals get three meals a day,” said Lafferty. “I want him to know how much I admire his efforts.”
Eric Ratliff, spokesman for Inez Apartments, Inc., which owns the 24-unit complex, said the cost of repairs to the damaged apartments would easily exceed $20,000. Repairs range from cleaning and drying the carpet to replacing carpeting and tile flooring.
Ratliff was thankful that an electrical system inspection revealed no major issues.
“Our first priority was to get our displaced tenants in a safe and warm location where they’d remain until the repairs were complete in their apartments,” Ratliff said. “We are grateful for the generosity and effort of Sheriff Kirk to assist in providing meals for those who needed them during this time.”
As for the occupants’ personal belongings that suffered water damage, Ratliff said as each tenant is allowed to return, everything will be checked to see what is usable and what cannot be salvaged.
“When a lease is signed for an apartment at Skeeze Ward Manor, we encourage the tenant to take out a renter’s insurance policy that will cover the replacement cost of their belongings should a disaster occur. Some chose to follow our advice while others declined to do so,” explained Ratliff. “We require them to sign a paper saying they do not want the policy if they refuse. Those that do have the insurance shouldn’t have any problems being reimbursed for their property that was damaged by the water, but those that do not will be personally responsible for the cost.”
Sheriff Kirk is working on a list of items that will not be replaced and the tenants’ greatest needs. He plans to get that information out to the public so anyone willing to help can do so.
“We are blessed to live in an area where neighbors help neighbors and look out for one another,” remarked Kirk. “I believe in paying it forward, and a situation like this is a great place to start.”