Dryer Fires

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

Be sure to use your dryer safely!

Laundry is no one's favorite chore, but don't let it destroy your home!  

According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2010-2014 U.S fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving washing machines or dryers, with 92% due to dryers.  These fires resulted in 13 deaths, 440 injuries and $238 million in property damage.

The leading factor to dryer fires are failing to clean the dryer, causing articles inside or lint to catch fire.  Please keep the following in mind to keep your home safe:

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter
• Make sure to clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry.  Remove lint that has collected around the drum
• Make sure the exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.  The vent pipe should be cleaned once a year
• Turn the dryer off if you leave the house or when you go to bed.  Do not use the dryer if you can't monitor it carefully

If the unthinkable does happen, SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County is here to help!  We are available 24/7!  Call us at 860-887-0447