Check extension cords before every single use.

Yes, every time. It takes ten seconds and could save your house.

Most extension cords fail at the connections — where the wire meets the male plug or the female end. That’s where the insulation cracks and the copper strands start to break. The second most common failure point is a kink or pinch from being stored too tight or stepped on. Both create resistance, which creates heat, which starts fires.

Look for cracked insulation, exposed copper, black marks (arcing), or a plug that feels warm to the touch. If the cord feels stiff or brittle, replace it. If the ground prong is missing, replace it. And never use an extension cord that’s been chewed by a pet — the structural integrity is gone even if the copper looks intact.

Don’t trust the one that’s been behind the couch for three years without being unplugged. Pull it out and check it.