Garbage disposal

Yesterday I had an experience that has left me shaken up.

Our house's garbage disposal stopped working. I flipped its switch a couple of times, then stuck my hand down there to investigate. I've done that before and usually have been able to fish out a knife or other small but hard things.

This time I couldn't feel anything jamming the blades, so I tugged on them a few times. Then I removed my hand and reached to turn on the disposal once more.

Then I realized that I left the switch turned on.

Now I understand how accidental gun discharges happen.