Clothes Dryer Fire Safety

In 2010, 16,800 reported fires involved clothes dryers or washing machines.  Of those fires, 92% were caused by clothes dryers. And the leading cause of those clothes dryer fires was attributed to failure to clean. ¹

Clothes dryer fires are easily preventable, which makes the high numbers of fires even more of a tragedy.

The National Fire Protection Association has created a quick video tutorial with tips on how to prevent a clothes dryer fire.  See below for some highlights from the video.  Click the video to watch the entire presentation.

1.  When you purchase a clothes dryer, do not attempt to install it yourself.  Let a professional install it for you.  In addition, when the clothes dryer needs to be serviced, only allow a professional to assist you.

2.  Never use your dryer without the lint filter installed, and make sure you clean the lint filter after every time you use your dryer.

3.  Check the dryer drum to see if any lint has collected there.  If it has, remove it before using the dryer again.

4.  Lint buildup can cause the exhaust vent pipe to become clogged and restricted, posing a fire hazard. Check the pipe frequently to ensure it is clear.

5.  If you notice that it starts to take longer than normal for your clothes to dry, you may need to hire a professional service to clean your dyer’s exhaust pipe.

6.  Do not over load your dryer with garments; this could pose a fire hazard.

The National Fire Protection Association also has a tip sheet that can be downloaded here.  Take a few minutes to review the tip sheet and make sure your clothes dryer is not presenting a fire hazard to you and your family.  It only takes a few minutes to clean your dryer, and it could save your life.
For instructions on how to clean your dryer, check out this article on wikiHow.
Best Security Products specializes in Honeywell fire protection.  We will work with you to find a customized solution to protect your home and bring you peace of mind.  Give us a call or email us at 1-800–988–2378 sales@bestsecurityproducts.com.

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