Advice from Latiolais’ older sister
A few weeks ago, I lost my younger brother, Kurt James Latiolais II, to an apartment fire. Kurt was 15 months younger than me, and we had a very close relationship.
He had the most fun-loving and caring attitude. He was a very loyal friend and an extremely hard worker. His contagious smile could brighten anyone’s day.
Like many college students, Kurt was confused about what his future held, but he set high goals for himself and was headed for a bright future and a wonderful life.
I am telling you all of this because I do not want another person to go through what I have gone through.
It is no secret that many of the rental properties around campus are not ideal housing.
Students occupy these deteriorating complexes because of the high cost of quality apartments. One issue that needs immediate attention is fire safety.
I urge everyone who rents or owns an apartment to take action and raise concern for your safety or for the safety of other tenants.
Several months ago, we had a serial killer problem in this town. More people died in apartment and house fires during that time than did at the hands of the SK; however, not one single store reported selling out of fire alarms or extinguishers.
The only way to protect yourself and others is to be sure that you have all of the necessary safety features working properly.
Most new apartment complexes have smoke/fire alarms, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers.
Kurt’s apartment had a smoke alarm that never went off that night, and one fire extinguisher outside with an inspection tag stamped 1986.
Most students assume this is the responsibility of the owner, and do not think we have to worry about such items when we are searching for apartments.
Do they not have regulations and codes to adhere to?
Checking for safety features should be a priority if you value your own safety and that of your loved ones.
It is mind-boggling to imagine that this type of accident can occur with the technology available today.
Unfortunately, Kurt’s landlord did not take advantage of such technology.
Perhaps they thought it was too expensive, or they simply did not have the time to make the changes. No price is too high or amount of time too long when it comes to the safety of yourself and others.
Please check your apartments’ smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and notify your landlords if something needs replacing.
It could save your life or the life of someone you love. Please, do not let a tragic accident like this happen again.
Muriel Latiolais
graduate student
public administration