One man's trash... (TV Repair)

I recently came upon an unwanted TV. I asked the previous owner if it was "no good" and she said that she hadn't wanted to get it repaired but there was something wrong with the power switch. After some consideration I decided to take it and see if I could do anything with it.

Now I'm no TV repairman, but I'm adventurous enough to try taking the thing apart if I have to. I'm just curious to know if anyone here has had any experience with televisions, and could possibly provide suggestions. In particular, I could use some DOs and DONTs so that I don't set my house on fire. I've worked with computer parts before, so I'm not stupid enough to do anything while it's plugged in, but if I recall there's something about the screen or the tubes being pressurized and I shouldn't touch them. Any advice at all would be welcome. Thanks.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

What if I just tried prying off the little plastic piece that serves as the switch? Since that was, apparently, what was broken?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Of course I understand, there is no offense taken. I knew that there were dangers associated with TVs, which is why I created this thread to ask about them. If the television can be fixed then I intend to keep it. I figure whatever the cost might be for fixing it will be less than buying a brand new set (although that has yet to be determined).

A bit of an update: I have since gotten the set home and onto my father's workbench. There's not much external damage aside from some scratches, dirt, and goo from sitting outside. The buttons all seem to push and click the same way. I decided (perhaps a bit rashly) to try inserting the power cord slightly, at which point I heard a chirp come from the TV. When inserted all the way, the chirp occured rapidly. I didn't try pushing any buttons, and just unplugged it until I could find more information. I'll do some research online, but if the chirping means anything to you then, by all means, share.

How ya doing, buddy?