October is Fire Prevention Month! In 2009, a house fire was reported every 87 seconds. Built-up lint is extremely flammable, and if you haven’t cleaned your dryer vent in the past year, you are at risk!
Here are some quick dryer safety tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association:
- Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
- Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
- Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
- Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
- Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. 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.
- Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
- Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
- Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
Keep yourself, your loved ones and your belongings safe! Through November, Westside will clean your dryer vent for $119 (originally $139).
Comments are closed