Ain't no fire now, it's gone...

It has been a weird few weeks here at my current hospital, which I have decided is probably an affiliate of @Davey Do's Wrongway Medical Center...but this last week or so takes the cake. (Maybe it's because they know I'm leaving, and have decided to make this transition easier for me.)

Last Thursday: There I am, minding my own business in an impromptu treatment team meeting in the staff lounge, when the coffee maker sparks, catching everyone's attention. As soon as I can call for someone to unplug it, the entire cord erupts in sparks and a small, quickly extinguished flame. To her credit, our doctor dives right in, no hesitation, as I paused to look for something non-metal to pull the cord away from the wall. Thankfully, we did not fry one of my favorite docs. Upon examination, I found some genius had taped the cord of the coffee maker when it began to fray. Due to TOS, I can't quote what our Plant Ops guy had to say when he found out.

The good news: I did save the pot of coffee that had just been brewed.

Last Friday: Only one of our elevators goes to the top floor, which is only administrative offices. So I got off at another floor (which is currently closed to patients for renovation) to transfer to the appropriate elevator. As I wait for my elevator...CODE RED. Honestly, my first thought was "I threw that dang coffee maker out!" When they announced the location, I had to frown, because that wing technically doesn't exist. It's the lobby. Also, I'm literally the only person on this floor, so I dutifully call my floor's headcount to the front desk and stand by for further instructions, near an exit.

The good news: It was a short in the alarm system. No fire.

Last night: At home, as I'm going to sleep, I see a white flash of light out of the corner of my eye. Residual trauma of the coffee maker incident flares up and I immediately get up and inspect every outlet on that side of the room, plus the (currently unplugged) fan. As it happens again, I realize it was headlights from outside reflecting off the wall due to the angle of my bedroom window.

The takeaway lesson: Plant Ops isn't kidding when they want to check your electrical appliances for approval. Don't be the person who either fries my favorite doctor or burns the hospital down with your ancient coffeemaker.