Is Your Dryer A Fire Hazard

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Almost every Milford, MA homeowner has a washer and dryer. However, most homeowners do not realize the potential fire hazard a dryer can be. Any appliance that generates a lot of heat is a fire risk. According the the US Fire Administration:

1. 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.
2. Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.
3. More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.

It is important for homeowners to know how to keep themselves safe from fire. Use the following fire safety messages to teach people about clothes dryer fire safety.

Clothes Dryer Do’s

1. Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional.
2. Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly
3. Read manufacturers' instructions and warnings in use and care manuals that come with new dryers
4. Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry.
5. Clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up as well as the lint filter at least every six months
6. Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months
7. Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry
8. Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted
9. Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow and dirt
10. Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on
11. Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct
12. Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are together and free of leaks
13. Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent
14. Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that can burn
15. If you will be away from home for an extended time, unplug or disconnect the dryer

Clothes Dryer Do Not's

1. Do not use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged
2. Do not overload the dryer
3. Do not use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. 
4. Do not dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic.
5. Do not dry any item for which manufacturers' instructions state “dry away from heat”
6. Do not dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers' instructions allow)
7. Do not dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline
8. Do not leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed

Even after doing all of these things, a fire can still happen. If it does call the experts at SERVPRO of Natick/Milford at (774) 290-4300.  We will make it, "Like it never even happened."