Fire Extinguisher...

I woke up on Sunday morning at 6am to this popping noise in the hall way.  It happened to be coming from our heating unit.  I got up immediately and saw what looked like an orange glow coming from the heating vent.  I also smelled smoke.

I did two things.  Turned off the heater and called 911. 

Although the smoke got a little worse, there was no fire.  A motor in the heating system blew out and tripped the circuit breaker.  Thankfully no fire occurred.  Thankfully I was here when it happened.

What I learned from this experience was the importance of knowing when to call the fire department, such as in a situation like this in which you have a problem with a heating unit and smell smoke.

The other two important take-a-ways is to make sure you have a fire extinguisher and know where it is.

The second is to make sure you know how to use a fire extinguisher like second nature.  Yes it seems pretty self-explanatory but you don't want to have to think, read directions or you tube a directions video when you feel the need to use a fire extinguisher.  Local Fire Departments must offer safety classes and how to use extinguishers etc.  I'm going to look for one and attend one.  You never know when you might need to spring into action.  The last thing you can afford to do is waste time and think.  You need to make instant reactions and go off of instinct and experience.