How To Prevent Dryer Fires

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call for all your fire rescue needs. 518-677-3444

Did you know that according to the National Fire Protection Association every year roughly 13,820 home fires are caused by clothes dryers? About 27 percent of these fires are due to the accumulation of lint in the dryer! Who would have thought that a third of the reason these fires occur is due to a failure to clean dryer vents! Not properly cleaning out your dryer vent can set you up for a serious fire hazard that can cause a lot of harm.

                Here are some simple tips to ensure the safety of you and your home:

1. Clean out your lint filter after every load! Doing this will help prevent a fire but also dry your clothes much faster! The back of your dryer should also be cleaned because lint can at times build up in that area as well. The vent pipe/exhaust should also be emptied with a plumbers snake every few months as well to help avoid a lint fire.
2. Proper use of your machine! You want to avoid over filling your dryer as well with too many clothes for a single load. You also want to avoid drying items that are made of plastic or rubber. You never want to put clothing in your dryer that has oil, gas, alcohol, or any other flammable products.
3. Turn your dryer off! Always ensure your dryer is off before leaving your home or going to bed.
4. Routine Maintenance! You want to inspect your equipment to make sure there is no damage or build up of lint. Also check outside venting for blockages from things like bird nests.

Dryer/lint fires are almost always preventable if you take the proper precautions. If your home has been damaged by a dryer fire, please call us, SERVPRO of North Rensselaer/ South Washington Counties at 518-677-3444.