Anti-static mat question

[merc141]

Ok I am building a new computer and am wondering about the best way to ground an anti-static mat. I was thinking of jury-rigging an extension cord, cutting off the prongs and leaving the ground plug thing and attaching the extension cord to a socket and clipping the anti-static mat to the extension cord. I heard that the screw on the faceplate of a socket is grounded... is this true? That would be easier to just clip the anti static mat to it. I am concerned because I am an absolute magnet for static electricity. Even worse I live in the desert of southern California, and it is usually very very dry out here. I get shocked from everything, my cats, my car, refrigerators, ovens (really bad), lamps... its pretty bad. I am hoping to get this new computer built before it stops raining out here (cross fingers). Anyways any help would be appreciated.

 

[SockMan!]

I was thinking of jury-rigging an extension cord, cutting off the prongs and leaving the ground plug thing and attaching the extension cord to a socket and clipping the anti-static mat to the extension cord.

That's exactly what I do. I also attach my anti-static wrist band to the end of the extension cord (at least when I feel like wearing it; I don't generally need to be that cautious).