Q&A
Family explains lack of visible radiator issues
1:32:52
·
3 min
Alexander Kuravsky and Bessie Kimmelfeld describe their experience with the radiator, emphasizing the absence of visible issues or red flags prior to the incident. They stress the importance of professional inspections and the limitations of relying solely on tenant complaints.
- The family did not notice any visible problems with the radiator
- They highlight the need for professional inspections by licensed plumbers
- Alexander explains why tenants might be hesitant to complain about issues
Alexander Kuravsky
1:32:52
So we didn't see any red flags, and that's really what concerns us the most.
1:32:57
Had we seen excess steam?
1:32:59
We would have definitely ran to the super very likely call 311 because that was not the case for us.
1:33:05
We the radiator was not even making any, like, hissing sounds.
1:33:09
I know that sometimes a lot of people that live in these old units They complain that the radiator makes like this loud like banging sound, which I believe that means you have to bleed it.
1:33:20
There's like a whole process to it.
1:33:22
So we actually did not even have to do that.
1:33:24
Our our radiator was not making any clanging sounds.
1:33:29
In fact, Betsy and I had spent 1000 of dollars on renovating our apartment, making sure that it was habitable, making sure that it was safe, and we did everything within our power to make sure that it was a safe, happy, joyous, positive space.
1:33:48
We never thought that this was possible.
1:33:50
We didn't hear about the Ambroses until our tragedy, and now we're partnering with them today to demand change.
1:34:00
We we did not know that there was anything wrong.
1:34:04
We would have never left our baby boy in that room if we thought that there was any issue.
1:34:09
I think that is ultimately the most frightening part.
1:34:13
The goal is not to frighten anyone, but the goal is to raise awareness.
1:34:17
And in this case, we don't know enough about radiators.
1:34:21
And unless you're a licensed plumber, you won't recognize if there's an issue with the pipes, with the valve, with the nipple connecting everything, you won't recognize that there's an issue unless it's inspected.
Bessie Kimmelfeld
1:34:36
Yeah.
1:34:37
And I just wanted to add that there were issues with the radiator in the past but those issues were repaired by the super.
1:34:48
And clearly, even though the issue was repaired several years ago and there were no there were no red flags for a few years, if it if a radiator would have been if the radiator would have been inspected, and there would have been a mandatory annual inspection in the last year.
1:35:07
Whatever issue was not noticeable, but still clearly there, would have been found, and the tragedy would have been prevented.
1:35:15
So a superintendent is not a qualified license plumber, and it's really important that part of this bill being passed, that there is a qualified license plumber who understands radiators who understands the severity and mechanics of it would be able to be the one to determine how safe the radiator is.
Alexander Kuravsky
1:35:38
And I don't wanna take up too much of anyone's time, but I I will also say that depending on someone to make that complaint doesn't always work.
1:35:48
A lot of people might not speak English.
1:35:49
They might not feel comfortable.
1:35:51
A lot of people are afraid of what their landlord will do if he finds out because he will.
1:35:57
Everyone knows that if you call 311, they log your complaint and they log your address.
1:36:03
The landlord knows exactly who made that call, and that's fine, but no one wants to get on their landlord's bad side.
1:36:10
So clearly, we cannot depend on tenants always responding and always reporting every problem, especially when it's not a real law.
1:36:21
When when the landlord is not required to do something, he won't do it.
