 Dryer Fires and How to Prevent Them An estimated 2900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated $35 million in property losses, according to a new government report.
What causes fires? One of the most common causes of dryer fires is lack of maintenance. When lint traps aren't cleaned as often as they should be, the resulting build-up in the screen or other areas can cause the dryer to perform poorly, operate at elevated temperatures and possibly overheat. Vent systems must also be checked and cleaned to maintain proper air flow for the same reasons. What can you do? An important safeguard your family can take is to ensure that your dryer has rigid or flexible metal venting and ducting materials to help sustain airflow. Additionally you should:
- Clean the lint trap before and after drying each load of clothes. - Don't forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can be trapped.
- The interior of the dryer and venting system should be cleaned periodically by qualified service personnel. If you notice the drying time is longer, clean the vent system thoroughly to ensure proper airflow.
- Do not dry clothing/fabric on which there is anything flammable (alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers, dry cleaning solvents, etc). Flammable substances give off vapors that could ignite or explode.
- Check periodically to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent. - Do not operate a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.
- Do not dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic (i.e. bathroom rugs).
- Do not leave clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.
View more about this important subject by watching the following video:
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