The long moments of panic

[Taprock]

I came inside from doing chores this morning to the smell of something I couldn't identify. It was in the kitchen area and smelled burnt. I immediately started sniffing things and my son and I unplugged everything. After about 5 minutes of not being able to find the source of the smell and it getting stronger I started to get worried. I sent my son to get carriers for the birds and called my husband to get any advice. As I was on the phone with him I happened to check the dishwasher and there was the source of the smell. The heat elements had become covered in lime build up and that was the smell. I opened all the windows and flipped the breaker just for added safety.

However, It has reminded me that although I have an evacuation plan thought and rethought with lots of contingency plans they are all in my head and my family doesn't really know them. I found my son still in the basement looking at the dozen carriers we have saying "Mom, which one?" Obviously I need to be clearer with my family on what we need to do in an emergency. Thankfully it turned out not to be a true emergency.

 

[Kentuckienne]

A valuable reminder.

 

[itzjbean]

Wow, glad you found the source of the smell and acted accordingly. Definitely a learning experience for all!

 

[SailBoat]

The difference between a plan and a practiced plan is that one works and the other have us standing in front of each other yelling! Been there, done that!

We travel fairly frequently and use every loading of the vehicle as a practice plan enacted. It is amazing what you will find you missed or overloaded.

Thanks for the heads-up!!!!

 

[Scott]

Glad you quickly determined the source and acted accordingly! Thanks for sharing as every incident serves as timely reminder.

Might be a good idea to periodically rehearse the "quick and dirty" evac plan so the entire family has recency of experience. Don't have to grab the birds and place in carriers, but getting the carriers near the cages and bringing them outside to safety.

 

[Flboy]

Good catch! About 10 months ago, a member lost their companion to a piece of plastic that fell on the heater eliment in their dishwasher!

 

[GaleriaGila]

Thanks for this thread!

Heads up!