Fire Safety Series: Preventing Clothes Dryer Fires
By Michael F. Uttaro, Chief Fire Marshal, County Fire Coordinator - Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office
As part of our new monthly fire safety series, we aim to highlight simple yet effective steps you can take to make your home or business safer from the dangers of fire. With the return to school and the resumption of busy work schedules, now is the perfect time to focus on preventing a common but often overlooked cause of house fires: clothes dryer fires.
During this season, clothes washers and dryers, both gas and electric, get a lot of use as families handle school uniforms, work clothes, and laundry from the summer. However, many people are unaware of the fire hazards that come with improper dryer maintenance. One of the leading causes of dryer fires is the buildup of lint, which is highly flammable. A failure to regularly clean the lint filter and venting system can lead to a serious, rapidly spreading fire.
To help you prevent clothes dryer fires, we’ve outlined a few essential safety tips:
How to Prevent Clothes Dryer Fires:
Professional Installation and Maintenance: Make sure your dryer is installed and serviced by a qualified professional.
Always Use the Lint Filter: Never operate your dryer without the lint filter in place.
Clean the Lint Filter Regularly: Clean the filter before and after every drying cycle to prevent lint buildup.
Don’t Forget the Dryer’s Back: Lint can collect behind the dryer, so remember to clean that area as well.
Check the Venting System: Inspect the vent hose and ensure it isn’t damaged, crushed, or restricted, which can reduce airflow and increase fire risk.
Ensure Proper Venting: Make sure your outdoor vent cover opens when the dryer is operating to allow proper airflow.
What to Do in Case of a Clothes Dryer Fire:
Call 911 Immediately: If you notice a fire, call the fire department right away.
Contain the Fire: If the fire is inside the tumbler or chamber, close the dryer door to contain it.
Evacuate: Get out of the house, ensuring everyone is accounted for, and do not re-enter the home until it is safe to do so.
A Final Tip:
Always ensure that your home is equipped with working smoke detectors, as they are critical in alerting you to fires early. If you have any questions about dryer safety or general fire safety, don’t hesitate to contact your local volunteer fire department for advice.
This is just the first of our fire safety series, and we hope it serves as a reminder of how important it is to maintain your dryer and prevent fire hazards. Stay safe!
