Preventing Clothes Dryer Fires

Washing and drying laundry may very likely be a part of your everyday routine. A familiar fixture in the laundry room could be a real fire hazard, even if you’re using it properly.  Clothes dryer fires are one of the most common causes of house fires. According to Consumer Reports, each year over 15,000 fires start in the laundry room when lint from clothes dryers build up and catch fire.

A few simple safety tips you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire:

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
• Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, etc.
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
• Do not restrict the air exhaust vent pipe and make sure that the outdoor vent flap is opening when the dryer is operating.
• Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

For more clothes dryer safety tips, visit http://www.portlandonline.com/fire/index.cfm?c=51470.

Protect Yourself and Your Family Today!

March 29, 2010