Prioritize your needs. Use the lowest wattage light bulbs that provide a safe level of light, reserving power for additional lighting elsewhere or a small appliance. Remember that the greater the load on your generator, the more fuel it will use. Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed. Extension cords must be properly sized to carry the electric load.
Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires or damage to equipment.