| Author |
Message |
    
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 51
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 11:30 am: |     |
Hi all,
A few days ago, I went to the ER when I hurt my leg. The EMS wouldn't let me back into my house to get my keys or even my insurance card. They asked if I had a friend with an extra set of keys, and I said yes, but I'd like to get mine. They button locked my door from the outside, and we left.
When I came home, I got my keys from the friend (at 6am) and then had to pay a locksmith $110 (that I don't have) to open the chain that was on my door.
My questions are, 1) Is there any way to make Maplewood pay for this, since the EMS team wouldn't let me back in the house? and 2) Is that really how much it should be for a locksmith? ::Sigh::
Thanks, Flugermongers. |
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 1791
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 5:24 pm: | |
The most important question is, How is your leg?
The EMS people whether from the Fire Department (paid by tax levy funds) or the First Aid Squad (volunteers) are performing a valuable (and often free) service when they come to your home to transport you to the Emergency Room for treatment. How much is the availability of that service worth to you?
These people tried to secure your home for you while you away. They also tried to get you to the hospital as quickly as possible to minimize the extent of your injury and get you the quickest possible care. What's wrong with that? |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 791
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 5:48 pm: | |
Fluger, you gotta be kidding me! Hold the town responsible? |
spw784
Citizen
Username: Spw784
Post Number: 346
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 7:19 pm: | |
I'd say , in the future, make sure someone else has that little key to pop the chain. (in addition to your regular spare house key). |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 587
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 8:59 pm: | |
Couldn't you have called upon the fire dept for a residential lockout?
$110 for a locksmith? It would have been cheaper to break a window and climb in, though with that bum leg...
Lastly, I say there's no crying over spilled milk. Over the next month or so, watch your pennies. |
luv2cruise
Citizen
Username: Luv2cruise
Post Number: 80
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 7:06 am: | |
If you don't have 110.00, you're in pretty bad shape. Even if you saved 1.00 per week, you'd have 110.00 in 2 years. You should be glad that you got the help. Some people never cease to amaze me.
There's nothing like being on the ocean! |
anon
Citizen
Username: Anon
Post Number: 735
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 12:49 pm: | |
For the record, I agree with Joan. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 52
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 2:37 pm: | |
For those of you who offered advice and help, thank you. I agree with luv2cruise, some people never cease to amaze me.. like YOU and the people who were nasty. If you were standing next to me you would have tried your best to help (I'd hope), but since you're hiding behind your computer screen, you're nothing but nasty to me.
You never thought for one second about my situation.
It is also my fault for leaving the chain on. I like to be extra safe.
Shh, you can call for a residential lockout? How does that work? spw784, I don't think there's a key to pop my chain. It is a very old one, that won't come off without the jaws of life (hence it being safe). Joan, my leg is fine now, it was just a stupid sprained ankle. Thank you guys. Have a great day. |
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 1796
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 4:08 pm: | |
Flugermongers:
I am glad that your ankle is better. I know how painful a sprained ankle can be and how difficult it is to get around when you can't put your full weight on your leg.
I like to think that if any of us had been around when you had your accident, we would have tried to help.
|
luv2cruise
Citizen
Username: Luv2cruise
Post Number: 82
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 4:52 pm: | |
I'm still wondering how the chain got latched when everyone was outside. 
PS...I would help you if I saw you lying on the ground....I'd even loan you 110.00 for your lock. If you want the town to pay, that's coming out of my pocket anyway.
There's nothing like being on the ocean! |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 53
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 11:13 pm: | |
It was latched, they wouldn't let me inside.
Thanks all for your help..  |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 589
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 9:09 am: | |
Fluge, you just call the fire dept. but I have to warn you, they do come with a big truck and a siren, so don't do it unless you want some attention from the neighbors. |
Kalara
Citizen
Username: Kalara
Post Number: 7
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 9:29 am: | |
Fluger -
I've been following this thread, and I just don't buy your story. Talk about taking some personal responsibility! While I have sympathy for your injury, I don't understand how your were forced to lock the chain, do all of your doors have chains?
It's illegal to have a dwelling with only one exit door (fire codes). Did you have chains on every door? How did you get out?
It was/is your responsibility to have a key to your own house, NOT the responsibility of the town or your neighbors. If you didn't speak up to the EMS workers and they inadvertantly locked you out, that's ultimately your problem. You had a sprained ankle, not a life-threatening emergency. I can't believe you had to take an ambulance at all. |
Timmeh
Citizen
Username: Timmeh
Post Number: 668
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 10:17 am: | |
Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!!! |
woodstock
Citizen
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 267
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 2:14 pm: | |
I'm with luv2cruise - how did the chain get on the door with no one in the house? Is there some kind of chain that can be set from the outside, with no way to unset it? Don't you have to be IN the house to put the chain on the door?
Waiting For The Electrician, Or Someone Like Him |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 480
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - 3:07 pm: | |
Flugermongers you reminded me of an incident that occurred to me right after we bought our house here. It was the day hurricane Floyd hit in sept of '99. I was waiting at the train station for my wife not realizing that the trains to and from NYC were severely delayed.
I was standing on the platform with approximately 15-20 other people when a young man in his twenties (my guess) approached many of those on the platform asking for what turned out to be a couple of dollars for train fare. It was raining like hell out and he was pretty drenched.
His story was that he had been arrested in Maplewood and spent the night in jail and needed around $6 to get where he was going. He was African American, dressed in a white t shirt and baggy jeans. His demeanor was very non-threatening and he was very sincere in his request. I watched as one by one he was turned down by people on the platform. Finally he got to me and asked me for some cash. I had no way of knowing whether he was telling the truth or not but it was raining like crazy so I really didn't care. He indicated that he was hungry so I offered to give him a ride to the the village where I promptly bought him a slice of pizza and a coke. I paid with a $20 and gave him the change. I drove him back to the train station where he promptly thanked me and took a seat on the bench to wait for the train. Looking back on it he could have been lying, but it was only a lousy $20.
It appears to me that most people like to pretend to be helpful but when push comes to shove they don't like to put their money where their mouths are. Many people are just whiny malcontents who offer no sympathy to people who need it. Now I realize that those other people on the platform that day are probably not representative of the entire population of Maplewood, but you can't tell me that it wasn't odd that no one except me came forward with a lousy $6. People like to think of themselves as very altruistic but what I saw on that platform was quite the opposite.
I suggest if you really need reimbursement for the $110 you go on over to the board discussing the $800 checks some people are receiving and ask one of those upset by it to hand over a very small percentage.
Glad to hear your ankle sprain is better. |
kevin
Citizen
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 68
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 11:21 am: | |
This could probably use it's own thread, but...
Sportsnut,
I was at the South Orange train station about a month ago and was approached by someone who told me that he just got let out of prison after spending the night. His story was that he had nobody to call and the South Orange police would only take him as far as the train station. He was looking for some money to purchase a train ticket to get home. He too was very sincere.
Funny thing was, just yesterday, I was approached by the same person with the same story asking for cash to purchase a train ticket. I didn't buy into the story the first time and I reminded him that he used the same story last month. He thanked me and walked away.
I have also been approached twice in the past couple of years by people saying that they needed cash for a ticket because they got thrown off the train by the conductor. If you don't have cash to ride the train, you shouldn't be on it.
You are a better person than I, Sportsnut.
|
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 11:52 am: | |
I was in a Newark Court room last month and I believe there's $100.00 fine, plus $15.00 court costs for getting thrown off the train for no ticket or money to pay for it...
BTW, I think I now know how you put your name together Sportsnut, but what the hell, if it makes you feel better, it was only a lousy $20.00 anyway, so go for it!  |
#9Dream
Citizen
Username: 9dream
Post Number: 517
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 11:59 am: | |
I remember a guy who used to walk through the cars on the "R" train telling people he had just been released from Beth Israel hospital and just needed some money to get something to eat. He had a hospital bracelet and everything. I saw him once or twice a week for months, always with the same tale.
Then there was the guy who used to hang over a pair of crutches outside the station at 8th St. & Broadway. He never spoke, just hung there like he could not stand up fully, but with a tin cup extended. One day I saw him running across First Avenue, the crutches under one arm and a cup full of money in his other hand. |
Nohero
Citizen
Username: Nohero
Post Number: 1872
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 1:25 pm: | |
Sounds like the Sherlock Holmes story, The Man with the Twisted Lip.
Sportsnut, you went above-and-beyond. The guy was still probably down and out and needed a hand, even if his story might have been a little dubious. |
Seagull
Citizen
Username: Seagull
Post Number: 26
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 1:53 pm: | |
Just a guess at how the doorchain got locked-Possibly, Fluger left via one door, but the friend only had the key to another door (which had the chainlock).
Only solution I can think of is to make sure that the friend has keys to all of the doors.
Anyways, I hope the leg is feeling better! |
Kalara
Citizen
Username: Kalara
Post Number: 8
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 3:17 pm: | |
Seagull,
Well, maaaybe but the story still sounds fishy to me - we have an unfortunate series of events: hurt ankle, emergency room, locked out in the wee hours, but that's basically a very bad day, no one should have to pay for that. Why wouldn't the EMS workers just grab the keys off the counter or key hook or wherever the keys are kept for Fluger?
Why on earth would they ask if a friend had keys and not check to make sure the friend was home and definitely HAD the keys? Apparently the friend didn't have the right keys, and that's why a locksmith was called - OK, so whose fault is that? Not the EMS workers, not the town, it's Flugers fault for confirming someone had a set of keys that they didn't.
I don't believe the story, I think Fluger made a mistake, which is understandable under the circumstances, but instead of chalking it up to a really bad day, s/he wants to place the blame on the very people who came to his/her aid that day.
Unbelievable. |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 12
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 3:37 pm: | |
The man got hurt and had to go to the hospital. He got locked out of his house and had to spend a lot of money on a locksmith. He wanted a little sympathy, for heaven sake, and instead he got picked to pieces. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 54
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 4:25 pm: | |
Thanks Lizziecat - it was a really bad day. I wouldn't care if I were rich. I am in a really tough situation which I'd really rather not go into on an online site.
The chain was on already, and the EMS buttonlocked the front door, so I couldn't get in. I said that three times already, but I guess the people who picked me apart didn't read the whole thing. Surprise surprise.
Also, I don't get the "not buying my story" thing. Like it never happened? ..ooook... whatever that means.
Thanks again Lizziecat, and cute name!!! |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 55
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 4:26 pm: | |
Thanks Lizziecat - it was a really bad day. I wouldn't care if I were rich. I am in a really tough situation which I'd really rather not go into on an online site.
The chain was on already, and the EMS buttonlocked the front door, so I couldn't get in. I said that three times already, but I guess the people who picked me apart didn't read the whole thing. Surprise surprise.
Also, I don't get the "not buying my story" thing. Like it never happened? ..ooook... whatever that means.
Thanks again Lizziecat, and cute name!!! |
#9Dream
Citizen
Username: 9dream
Post Number: 520
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 4:43 pm: | |
Just out of curiosity, how did the chain get on the door if you were outside the house? |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 56
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 5:09 pm: | |
You're joking, right?
Ok well just in case you're not, as I stated in the above posts.. it was already locked before the EMS came. |
Flt
Citizen
Username: Flt
Post Number: 67
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 5:19 pm: | |
You have to be inside to chain lock a door. This is elementary. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 57
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 5:22 pm: | |
Yes. As I said, it was locked for the evening, and then I took a fall. The EMS came and that door was never touched. I've now said that 10 times. SHeesh. |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 802
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 9:21 pm: | |
Fluger, no one ever said the reading public on MOL was the brightest bunch of bulbs in the pack. |
cutter
Citizen
Username: Cutter
Post Number: 200
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 9:29 pm: | |
Flugermongers,
So there was a door without a chain on, yes? The door the EMS workers entered the house through...why didn't you or your neighbors have a key for that door? Why should anyone (besides yourself) pay for a locksmith service?
It sounds like you had a very bad day, and I do sympathize and hope your ankle is OK. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and shell out $110 for a locksmith and chalk it up to carelessness and move on. Good luck. |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 58
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 9:51 pm: | |
Cutter, I said a thousand times now, one door was chained, one door the EMS button locked. 2 doors, one house, overpriced locksmith.
Thanks for the humour us2innj, I think this loop needed it.
I don't think I'm gonna answer any more of these posts, 'cause this is gettin ridiculous.
|
sbenois
Citizen
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 10142
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 9:55 pm: | |
Dearest Flugermonger,
Can you just answer one more question: how did the chain get put on if you were outside the house?
You must be a ventriloquist or something.
---> Brought to you by Sbenois Engineering LLC <---- |
flugermongers
Citizen
Username: Flugermongers
Post Number: 59
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 10:00 pm: | |
I sincerely hope that's a joke, but given this thread's history, I doubt it is. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1656
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 - 11:08 pm: | |
Does anyone have the name of a good locksmith? |
sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 639
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 7:13 am: | |
Flugermongers already told us that the chain was in place before EMS ever arrived. Apparently EMS entered and left through a DIFFERENT door of the house than the one that was chained.
I won't enter into the pros and cons of the other arguments, but this point was made at least once. |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 804
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 8:35 am: | |
AJC, we use Harder Locksmith on South Orange Avenue. Ron is a pleasure to deal with.
973 762 4650
|
copihue
Citizen
Username: Vperalta
Post Number: 35
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, August 1, 2003 - 10:41 am: | |
What's a "buttonlock" door?
I wouldn't pick you up if you were down, hurt, on the street, and I knew you were fluegermongers, not after reading this. I would pick everyone up, but you, for I would be afraid that if I did anything less than perfect, you would sue me. I would use my cell phone, call the EMS and tell them to bring their attorney. |
montagnard
Citizen
Username: Montagnard
Post Number: 14
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, August 2, 2003 - 12:16 pm: | |
We have a buttonlock door on the front, and deadbolt doors on the side and back.
I can easily imagine fluger's situation, and let's face it, given the choice between paying $110 to get into the house and trying to call someone else that would do it for less... well, who's to say what any of us would have done.
Too bad one of your neighbors didn't have a bolt cutter. |
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