April 17, 2004 |
| Insurance Fair Today Urges Renter Coverage |
| Today
at noon the Residents Association will present the Island’s first-ever Insurance
Fair, aimed at getting Islanders to protect themselves with apartment insurance.
The event was inspired, initially, by a disastrous fire in Eastwood
that destroyed all the contents of an apartment and caused related smoke
and water damage in adjacent apartments. Representatives of Housing Management, the Fire Department, and the Police Department will make brief presentations and pass out materials. Insurance vendors will have tables from which they will provide information and offer coverage. RIRA Common Councilor Sherie Helstien, one of the organizers of the event, said a key goal is to get residents to pay attention to the insurance question. “Personal possessions are not covered by any insurance carried by building owners,” she said. “It’s up to tenants to cover their own insurance needs, both for personal property and liability.” An alternative session, for those who are unable to attend today’s, is set for Wednesday, April 28, at 7:30. “It’s imperative that residents understand why this kind of insurance is necessary,” Helstien said. ”Today’s event will be over in time for the start of the Roosevelt Island Film Festival, so we encourage as many people to come as possible, even if they have insurance, and to encourage their neighbors to attend.” She added, “We’d like to see this become an annual event, possibly in conjunction with Roosevelt Island Day.” Helstien worked with RIRA Housing Committee Chair Mark Chipman in making arrangements for the event. |