Ripple Effects

This past week, I received my small piece of “humble pie” for the month.

You see, as a Red Cross Volunteer, I occasionally respond to local residential fires to assist those who have been displaced or otherwise affected by some kind of a fire.  In this case, the fire was in a multi-family dwelling, but there was only one unit affected.  Unfortunately, that was enough…as the apartment was damaged by either fire or smoke.  Most certainly uninhabitable.

A large part of what we do is visiting – or interviewing – the client to get more information and work with them to determine what their immediate needs are.  The needs, in this case, were easily determined — lodging, food, and some appropriate clothing.  Easy enough.  Red Cross can assist with the lodging (which we did), food and clothing are easily handled through direct assistance (we did that too)…we even worked to obtain transportation to the temporary quarters and helped lay the groundwork for transportation to the office to visit a caseworker on the next business day.  Good stuff…right?   Well, yes…good stuff.

So what’s the deal, right?

While visiting with the client, the Fire Marshal came to check on us and see how things were going.  He said that his report was going to reflect that he had determined the fire was started by the electric space heater.  It seemed that the heater had been repaired at some time, with the cord being spliced – which compromised the safety of the wiring and it overheated.  Overheated spaceheater = fire.  Makes sense, and would most certainly make the Top 10 List of Home Repair No-No’s.

But what about the Top 10 List of Ways to Save Money?

While I know, and indeed preach, the importance of purchasing certified, inspected and up-to-date electrical equipment because of all the safety features,  I also remember how much money you can save if you fix it yourself, or even better…someone gives you the item that they’ve fixed and “used for years” with no problems.  See…I’ve actually re-worked the heating element on an electric dryer (not just once mind you…several times!) to keep it working without having to go buy another $20 element.  Because that $20 was nearly half my grocery budget…and cutting the grocery budget was not one of those “cuttable” areas.  So….I learned to make do.

Lot’s of folks learn to “make do”.  Cord on your lamp splits, gets chewed by cat, run over by kids…whatever.  What do you do?  You figure out how to do the old slice and splice and voila!  Light!  So why not something else that’s electrical?  Works just find and dandy, thank you very much.  Why go out and spend that $20-$30 for a new space heater when this one purchased from the thrift storefor $5 puts out quite enough heat for one person and their cat?  No need….no need at all.

Until “works just fine and dandy” doesn’t work just fine and dandy and catches the curtains or bedspread or rug on fire.

So, what did I do?  What did I say to my client?

I was a good girl, and counseled my client on the need to try to put safety first.  I explained that I knew it was cheaper to fix things ourselves, or to buy used appliances at thrift stores whenever possible.  But that savings could cost so much more … as had been shown that day.  I encouraged my client to check with other agencies and resources (churches, family members, etc.) to help with those types of things needed so that the safer version of the item could be purchased…not just the cheapest. 

So…while I have a driving need to educate people on the dangers of used space heaters, DIY electrical repairs on just about anything, and many other facets of fire safety, I am reminded that there are people out there that simply do not feel they have that choice.  And that is just downright sad.  There are agencies and organizations out there that can help people with a variety of needs.  Your community’s 2-1-1 is just one place to start…and there are many others.  We just need to get better at getting the word out – you know – share the information.

Wow…what a concept!   Pass It On!