MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Tips
■ An
estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings are reported to
U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries,
and $35 million in property loss.
■ Clothes dryer fire incidence in residential buildings was higher in the fall and winter months, peaking in January at 11 percent.
■ Failure to clean (34 percent) was the leading factor contributing to the ignition of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.
■ Dust, fiber, and lint (28 percent) and clothing not on a person (27 percent) were, by far, the leading items first ignited in clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.
■ Fifty-four percent of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings were confined to the object of origin.
■ Clothes dryer fire incidence in residential buildings was higher in the fall and winter months, peaking in January at 11 percent.
■ Failure to clean (34 percent) was the leading factor contributing to the ignition of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.
■ Dust, fiber, and lint (28 percent) and clothing not on a person (27 percent) were, by far, the leading items first ignited in clothes dryer fires in residential buildings.
■ Fifty-four percent of clothes dryer fires in residential buildings were confined to the object of origin.
Clean the lint filter before
or after each use.
- Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
- Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Clean the lint filter before or after each use. Remove accumulated lint around the drum.
- Rigid or flexible metal venting materials should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
- Make sure the air exhaust bent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open 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.
- Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
- Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
- Do not leave a dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.
- Never dry items that have come in contact with flammable substances, such as cooking oil, gasoline, paint thinner, or alcohol.
- Keep the dryer area clear of things that can burn, such as boxes or clothing
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