Preventing Dryer Fires

May 15, 2019
By Terri Chandler, Senior Underwriter, Personal Lines

For many of us, laundry is part of our daily or weekly routine. But did you know there’s a real safety risk at hand if you’re not maintaining and properly cleaning your clothes dryer?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, every year firefighters respond to an average of nearly 15,000 fires caused by clothes dryers or washing machines. As a result of those fires, there’s an average of 9 deaths, 420 injuries and $222 million in property damage each year.

So what can you do? Follow these simple safety tips to help prevent a clothes dryer fire:

  • PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
    • Have your dryer installed by a professional.
  • CLEAN THE LINT FILTER
    • Clean the lint from the dryer’s lint screen after every load and never run your dryer without the lint filter.
  • REPLACE ACCORDION-STYLE DUCTS
    • If you have a white plastic vent hose, replace it now! Plastic or foil accordion style ducts should be replaced because they can sag, allowing the lint to build up at low points. A rigid metal duct is recommended as it allows for good air flow and reduces lint buildup.
  • OUTDOOR VENT
    • Make sure the outdoor vent covering is open when the dryer is operating.
  • CLEAN THE DRYER DUCT AND VENT HOSE REGULARLY
    • Disconnect the duct from the dryer and vacuum both the dryer and the ducts and remove as much lint as possible.
  • INSPECT GAS LINES
    • If you have a gas dryer you should check your gas line to ensure that it is free of leaks. If the line looks old or questionable, you should replace it.
  • KEEP THE AREA AROUND YOUR DRYER CLEAN AND CLEAR OF CLUTTER
    • If a fire does start, don’t give it more fuel.
  • ONLY RUN YOUR CLOTHES DRYER WHEN YOU ARE HOME AND AWAKE
    • You should never leave your clothes dryer running when you are not home or when you are asleep.
  • AVOID OVERLOADING THE DRYER
    • Bigger loads of laundry will take longer to dry which can result in the dryer becoming hotter than normal.
  • REGULAR SERVICING – HIRE A PROFESSIONAL
    • It is especially important to hire a professional as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs:
      • Dryer taking too long to dry clothes.
      • Clothes are hotter than usual when you remove them from the dryer.
      • Dryer gets hotter than usual as it is operating.
      • If you notice a burning smell coming from the dryer.

 

Sources: NFPA; Consumer Reports; U.S. Fire Administration; Homecheck.com