The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About 3,000 residential fires originate from extension cords short circuiting, overloading, and/or being misused. Please keep in mind the following tips:

•  Do not remove the prongs of an electrical plug. If plug prongs are missing, loose, or bent, replace the entire plug.
• Only place 3-prong plugs in 3-prong outlets; do not alter them to fit in a 2-prong outlet.
• Use extension cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment in use.
• Only use cords rated for outdoor use when performing outdoor work.
• Never unplug a cord by pulling on the cord, always pull on the plug.