jhe Home Tips On Using Extension Cords Safely (NAPSA)—An extension cord can be a handy, temporary way to place electrical equipment wher- ever you'd like it. But if used improperly, extension cords can causefire and injury. To help prevent accidents, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) urges home- ownersto be alert to the potential hazards of inappropriate exten- sion cord use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) esti- mates that, each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. Thirteen percent of the Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis. extension cord where the cord joins the plug, use a special “angle extension cord” specifically de- signed for use in these instances. e When using outdoor tools and appliances, use only extension cords labeled for outdoor use. injuries involve children under 5 years of age; electrical burns to the mouth accounted for half the with polarized appliances. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 when the extension cord is in use. eReplace cracked or worn extension cords with cords that injuries to young children. others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or mis- use of extension cords. To reduce the likelihood ofelec- trocution or fire from improper extension cord use: e Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis. In locations where furniture or beds may be pushed against an Use polarized extension cords e Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs is exposed have the listing of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, safety closures and other safety features. The Electrical Safety Foundation International reminds you to use extension cords safely—your life may dependonit. To download ESFI’s free booklet, “Use Extension Cords Safely!” go to www.esfi.org/esfi-library. html#extensioncord. wo ee nena een n-- ee en een e------ QOL -- ae eee ae -------------Note to Editors: May is National Electrical Safety Month.
