Ellen, with all due respect, the heating pads automatically shut off if I forget them. But I don’t. And while I appreciate the observation, each of us is responsible for what we have in the house, which includes cleaning out our dryer filters, overloading outlets, I could go on forever and ever and ever and ever and ever. One of my closest friends is a fireman. We have gone over potential hazards. We are surrounded by fire hazards, health hazards, chemical hazards, hazards from those we love, too. For my part, when I offer up an idea, and believe me I do appreciate the input, my hope is that people are responsible in their choices. That I have no control over. These are just ideas. Dripping water on my kitchen floor is a hazard, too. Life is hazardous. That said, hell, I’m a greater hazard to myself than any electrical cord. You should see my medical records. If I want to live a safe life, someone needs to strap my aging butt into the easy chair all day.

For my part, I’ll take the auto-off heating pad any day, but that’s just me.