Oh man! My hand was over my mouth as I read this! I am so glad that there was no more damage than that. I have never zapped a cord, but when you mentioned the circuit breakers, it made me think. This is a very old house, and I have to turn off the air conditioner when I want to turn on the iron or it WILL trip the CB's. (It's like Green Acres here.)
Hope the lecture is not too severe. (remind him who does the cooking.)