If you listened to the radio show last week you know that we had a house fire a week ago. We're really lucky. No one was hurt. Our family photos are okay. The guns are okay. But the kitchen is burned up, and the entire house smells like smoke.
Two takeaways.
We all need to consider the full spectrum of safety preparations -- not just firearms for self protection. My wife probably could have stopped the fire, but she had never used a fire extinguisher. There was one at her feet as she stood four feet from the fire when it began. In the week after the fire, I can't tell you how many people (I don't mean to sound sexist, but mostly women) have told us they don't know how to use a fire extinguisher. Make sure every responsible member of your household (probably from about age six up) actually uses a fire extinguisher. Best if they use it to put out a small fire in the back yard. If you do use a fire extinguisher for training, it's done. Either toss it or recharge it.
INTOT. I Never Thought Of That -- that anyone wouldn't know how to use a fire extinguisher. Your fire department may be willing to show you. And you'll meet some fine people there.
Point Two: Without going into a lot of detail, the fire started because my wife used a "potato baker" a friend had made and given to several ladies. A potato baker is an insulated cloth bag you put a tater in, and then you microwave it. You can see them with a search on etsy.com. Turns out that there have been a number of fires started with these. ASK if there is a "potato bag" or a "potato baker" in your home. If there is, throw it out!
And a HUGE thanks for all the heartfelt wishes everyone has sent. You can't believe the help that has been offered, from suggestions on working the problem, to working with insurance, to offers to use people's homes. You guys are the best.
We're fine. Tired, sleep-deprived, and smoky, but fine.
~Tom
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