Every year several fires are attributed to clothes dryers. However, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent tragedy.
- The build-up of lint inside and around your dryer is the biggest risk for fire. Most everyone knows to clean out the lint trap, but when is the last time you vacuumed around the drum or other interior areas of the dryer? Most dryer tops can be raised to gain access to hard-to-reach areas.
- Flexible sprial vent tubing should NEVER be used to vent your dryer. The sprial ridges can increase the amount of lint build-up and cause airflow issues which eventually leads to dryer fires. Rigid vent tubing should be used, with no more than two bends, to maximize efficiency and maintain proper air flow.
- Always make sure loose items are removed from pockets before drying clothes, especially metal objects such as hair clips, pens, and coins. Even bra underwire can wiggle through the drum holes and come into contact with heating elements causing an arcing event leading to fire.
Information from: RAM Mutual
