Embarrassed & Frustrated ...

[gr33nmind]

I had my stove burners, soaking to clean them, and wanted to make hamburgers. I put one stove burner back onto the stove, and preceded to cook two hamburgers on low. Unfortunately the burners fit on upside down, and cooking on low, turned out to be med/high. The numbers are not on the burners, but rather on the stove, so if I hadn't of cooked right at that moment, the burner would have been on medium all night. I even showed the firefighter this, and because I have a speech impediment, he didn't understand me. He then asks me, "if you knew that that, then why didn't you cook them on low?" At this, I didn't say anything else to him. If a 'fire fighter' couldn't tell the burner was on upside down, how am I supposed to see that? I may have posted in here before about the new smoke detectors. They are always going off. In fact someone else on my floor set one off today. There way too sensitive, and even the fire fighters mentioned that to me, because they couldn't smell any smoke. Even steam from the showers set them off. I actually realized I was burning my hamburgers, in less the two minutes, and they were still quite edible, so only the edges caused the smoke. Although this happened over 2 hours ago, I'm still worried if my apartment fines me, and how I can dispute it. It was late when the alarm went off, and neighbors were all gathered in the hall, complaining about the noise. Embarrassed & Frustrated ...

[cat3]

I'm surprised the fire dept. weren't more sympathetic. They do have a department which concentrates entirely on helping vulnerable people cope safely at home.

l can't remember the name of the department in question but I'll ask my niece, who ran the Manchester project, for more details. It might be useful information to have in any case for future reference.

Have you thought, also, of talking to Headway's helpline on 0808 800 2244. They might have other helpful suggestions ?

You could also talk to Social Services for extra support, they can be very helpful with safety issues in the home. But also, by keeping a record of any contact with these agencies, you can show the owners that you're doing all you can to take responsible measures.

Sorry you've been caused such anxiety. Please accept a virtual hug. x

[gr33nmind in reply to cat3]

Thanx Cat, The fire department gets called to my apartment building, at least 3 times a week. It's never for a fire, but instead because the new smoke detecters are far too sensitive.

I live in the US, so Headlines help line is accessible for me, at least toll free, but thank you. Also we don't have the same kind of social services you have, so I don't think contacting them would do me any good.

I just looked at the stove, and noticed that cooking on low, was actually high, because the knob was reversed. No wonder they started to burn after only 45 seconds cooking on what I thought low power.

If I am fined, I will fight it, but don't know how much luck I'll have.

[cat3 in reply to gr33nmind]

Well the best of luck anyway ; I hope the outcome isn't too harsh. x

[Negeen]

Aww rough day. I'm so sorry James.

[gr33nmind]

Thanx Cat, & Negeen ..