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Each year, approximately 4,700 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, killing 50 persons and injuring some 280 others (Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission).
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More than 60 percent of homeowners expect to use at least one extension cord to bring power to outdoor decorations this holiday season.
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms.
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About half the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over extension cords.
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Thirteen percent of the injuries involve children under the age of five years old; electrical burns to the mouth account for half of the injuries to young children.
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More than two-thirds of Americans use extension cords for outdoor purposes around the home.
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Roughly 84 percent of these homeowners own cords that are rated for outdoor usage.
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Only 27 percent of Americans inspect extension cords frequently or every time they use them.
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More than 78 percent of homeowners use extension cords as permanent wiring.
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One-third of homeowners reportedly own more than six extension cords.
