All winter long, families should take simple steps to protect their homes and their families from the dangers of household hazards that can cause electrical and heating fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Take the time to read the label on your extension cord or make sure your electric heater is set up safely,” County Executive Andy Spano recommends. “It is simple actions like these that prevent home fires during the winter months.”

During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 67,800 fires, 485 deaths, and $868 million in property losses across the country, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects, but many more are caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increase in lighting, heating, and appliance use, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

The heating season also increases the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a clear, odorless and potentially fatal gas produced by home heating systems, chimneys and car exhaust.

Here are simple steps you can take to prevent electrical and heater fires, and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

 Electrical appliances and wiring

• Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring to make sure they are not frayed or damaged..
• Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
• Read labels on extension cords and don’t overload them.
• Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
• When buying electrical appliances look for products which meet the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) standard for safety.
• If an appliance has a three-prong grounding plug, use it only in a three-slot grounding outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Never overload extension cords or wall sockets. If you need more sockets, use a power strip with circuit breaker.

Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. If the cords are frayed or cracked, or if the tools cause even small electrical shocks, overheat, short out or give off smoke or sparks, replace them.

Electric Space Heaters

• Buy only heaters with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) safety listing.
• Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and that  it will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Heaters are not meant to serve  as dryers or tables; don't dry clothes or place objects on top of your heater.
• Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three feet away from each heater. (including furniture and drapes)
• Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.
• Don't allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons and hair dryers.
• Keep clothes, curtains and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.