Dryer Vent Fires
The compiled information below is according and to:
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The U.S. Fire Administration (an entity of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency): https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/heating.html
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National Fire Protection Association: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Safety-in-the-home/Dryers-and-washing-machines:
Please visit these sights for more detailed information
on how to protect your family and home:
Between 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at:
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13 deaths
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440 injuries
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$238 million in property damage.
FACT:
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Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 5%.
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The leading factor contributing to the ignition of home fires involving clothes dryers was failure to clean, accounting for one-third (33%) of dryer fires.
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A mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction was involved in the vast majority of home fires involving washing machines.
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Fires involving clothes dryers usually started with the ignition of something that was being dried or was a byproduct (such as lint) of drying, while washing machine fires usually involved the ignition of some part of the appliance.
DRYER SAFETY TIPS:
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Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
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Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
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Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
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Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
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Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.
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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.
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Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
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Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
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Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
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Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
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During and after a snowstorm, make sure all vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
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Dryers should be properly grounded. Check the outdoor vent flap to make sure it is not covered by snow. Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, etc. Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances, like gasoline, paint thinner, or similar solvents should be laid outside to dry, then can be washed and dried as usual.
For more information, please download and read these reference materials:
