Doing laundry is a necessary task for all of us. Sometimes the household chore can be a large one if you have a big family. Maybe there are multiple members of a family or communal residence all doing laundry, utilizing the same washer and dryer. Dryer safety is an important issue which most homeowners take for granted. It is vital for adults and children to know the risk factors for dryer fires and what you can do to prevent them and the catastrophic damage and loss they leave in their wake.
The U.S. Fire Administration says the following about dryer fires:
- 2,900 dryer fires occur every year
- Of these dryer fires, property damage is upwards of 35 million dollars
- 100 injuries and 5 fatalities also occur with these fires annually
Let’s look at the risk factors for Fires in your dryer
- Do not dry clothes without the lint filter in. The filter protects the inside mechanisms of the dryer from getting a buildup of lint and debris that can get trapped and lead to a fire
- Overloading your dryer can lead to lint buildup and once again leading to a fire
- Leaving your dryer on as you sleep or when you leave your home is a risk factor. Should there be a lint buildup or any other issue that leads to a fire, may not be able to put it out quickly or not even be aware of the situation before it is too late.
There are things you can do to avoid dryer fires and the loss that incurs with it:
- U.S. Fire Administration says that 34 percent of dryer fires happen every year because of full lint traps. Cleaning your lent filter also allows proper dryer ventilation. Proper dryer ventilation allows clothes to dry faster and avoid the dryer overheating.
- It is important to check dryer ducts regularly. Blocked ducts can lead to fires and overheating as well. If your clothes are taking longer to dry, this could be a sign of a blocked duct. If you see any blockages in the ducts, it is imperative to clean them out before your next dryer use.
- If ducts are outdated, replace them. Heavy-duty metal is suggested as your best option for new ducts.
Homeowners may still experience dryer fires no matter how many precautions are taken. In the event that you do have a fire, ServiceMaster by Cornerstone will dispatch our qualified professionals to assist you with your fire restoration and water clean-up and restoration. When disaster strikes, we are here to help.
