Using the neutral and the ground on a receptacle is a code violation! Early Romex doesn't have a grounding conductor either. Older BX doesn't have a grounding conductor either, but using a grounding receptacle can provide a ground, but not ideal and still not code. If a ground is important it's best to use a GFCI. The code will allow using that on a two wire circuit, as it creates an artificial ground.
Regarding basements, I didn't think there's a basement in all of Florida.
I was living in Massachusetts when this took place. I moved to FL in 98.
Second time was at age 16, I was making my first attempt to fix a 1979 Peavey Backstage 30 guitar amp (I'm a guitarist) and was testing the mains voltage, and in a moment of absent thought, put my finger on the fuse that went between the transformer and the power switch.
Wow im so sorry.... That must have hurt more than when ya touched the prong!!