Fall is Coming; So are the Squatters

 

Sociologists identify five kinds of squatters. Usually the only ones squatting in the Shoals are those who have no immediate shelter from the elements, or Type One. We're going to break this type into two subtypes: Those have the reasoning ability not to set their shelter on fire and those who don't. Unfortunately, you can never tell what a desperate person will do for comfort.

Many small fires go unreported in the news, but two that come to mind are the small, but expensive, fire at the North Florence post office branch (read: You and I paid for this) and the large fire in Russellville that destroyed an empty art deco landmark and much of the hardware store next to it.

Squatting picks up on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights when itinerant construction workers have no paid motel rooms. Obviously, it also increases during storms of any nature.

The Shoals has a multitude of vacant rental properties, some in even the most upscale neighborhoods. In other words, squatting can occur almost anywhere. 

Florence has attempted to cut down on these interlopers, but many persist. If you think you see squatters in your neighborhood, don't hesitate to call police. Authorities are much better able to sort it out than you are.

If you let these squatters remain, the house they burn down may very well be yours...