Scary day today - luckily with a "Happy Ending". One of our tenants noticed an outlet they were overloading with a window air conditioner was getting HOT! The wall was very HOT also. 1st mistake made was calling us 1st. In the case of a possible fire - CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRST! The 2nd and biggest mistake was that they admitted to throwing water on the outlet.

Electrical fires are different than other fires. Because water conducts electricity, throwing water on an electrical fire can cause the fire to get LARGER.

In case of an electrical fire (or suspicion of one) Here is what to do:

1. NEVER use water on an electrical fire.

2. Tell an adult to turn off the main power to the house, if possible.

3. If the fire can be put out safely, tell an adult to use a proper chemical fire extinguisher. If the fire cannot be put out safely, leave the house and take everyone with you.

4. Call 911 or your emergency number and tell them it is an electrical fire.

Luckily the 3rd thing our resident did was call the Fire Dept. who responded immediately. There was no fire but there could have been. And, if there was, it could have become quite tragic when they threw water at it. So, Praise God, all is well. Please, if you are not sure what to do in an emergency - call 911. And, then get yourself educated for the future. When you moved in, we supplied you with a "Tenant Orientation Handbook" that covers basic emergency situations. Now is a good time to pull it out and review it with your family or roommates.

Stay SAFE!