Minneapolis Residents Staying In “Uninhabitable” Homes

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Some north Minneapolis residents are tearing the red "uninhabitable" signs off their doors and remaining in their tornado-damaged homes, ignoring warnings from city inspectors.

Ron McConico says several of his neighbors on Queen Avenue have taken the signs down, and don't plan on leaving. Each time a sign goes up, inspectors tell anyone who is home that they must leave. But the police don't enforce it, and citations aren't likely.

Building official Patrick Higgins says lots of people tell inspectors they're staying put. They've told some inspectors it's because they're afraid of looters.

FEMA officials will have city inspectors with them on Thursday, so Higgins says even if an "uninhabitable" home is missing its sign, there won't be confusion. Inspectors have records of which homes have been declared uninhabitable.

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