Crackling Noise Alerts Occupants to Fire in Salem Home

Having almost the same experience due to an element burning out in the electrical panel of the dryer, I smelled it and turned everything off and called Sears to service and check both washer and dryer. Once you know the smell of smoke it never leaves you and your senses are hightened immediately. May I suggest everyone getting hard-wired smoke detectors in each room of the house and don't forget the carbon monoxide detectors as well to keep your family from harm. I know, I am a survivor of an arson fire from San Jose, CA and the first thing that saved my life was calling 911. They tell you to leave the home and use a neighbor's phone, many people now have cell phones in addition to land lines. Don't try to put it out by yourself, get everyone out first. But it wouldn't hurt to have an appropriate fire extinguisher Type C that puts out most fires in everyroom of the house. At that time you don't want to be t rying to remember where you put it... I 'm happy no one was hurt but I am also sorry for your loss and hope that you had home insurance. It's worth it for the one instance that you can lose everything, it takes a long time to replace things but you can't replace your loved ones. I had five kittens to save 16 years ago, and I still have two 17 year old cats (emphasis on old) with me. They aren't people but since I don't have children they are as near as can be to my heart and I wouldn't know how I would've survived PTSD, etc. without them to love. God Bless you and your family and I do hope you find the help you need in recovering from a scary incident. The message the Fire and Police Depts send every year especially at Christmas time when people leave trees in their homes too long is to have a plan, prepare, and practice family fire drills. Look to the Red Cross for information about 72- hour emergency kits that we should each have. I hope you take this advice from someone who knows your fear, but get safe first, get out, then call for help. Sincerely, Monmouth Resident