Each year, 2,900 clothes dryers catch fire. These fires are responsible for 5 deaths annually, as well as 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. The cause for 34% of these fires is failure to clean lint traps in dryers. Improper installation of dryers is another leading cause of dryer fires.
Clean out the lint filter before you use your dryer.
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SOURCE: U.S. Fire Administration
It is imperative that you clean the lint filter in your dryer EVERY TIME you use the machine. It is also recommended that you check for lint that might build up in the back of the dryer. Every three months, you should check the vent pipe to make sure it isn’t clogged and all remnants of lint are removed.
Make sure all vents for your furnace, stove, fireplaces, and dryers are clear of snow and other debris.
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SOURCE: U.S. Fire Administration
Dryer fires are possible all year, but the incidents increase in the fall and winter, with most incidents occurring in January. If your dryer is getting abnormally hot, or taking a longer time than usual to dry a load of clothes, have it checked by a professional before using it again.
