Dryer and Washing Machine Fires

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Remember to have your dryer vent pipe cleaned at least annually.

Between 2010 and 2014, U.S fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fire involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at 13 deaths, 440 injuries and $238 million in property damage. Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of these fires, with the leading factor being failure to clean them.

Here are a few simple safety tips that can help prevent a clothes dryer fire from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional
• Do not use a dryer without a lint filter
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before after each load of laundry
• Remove lint as collected around the drum
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating
• Clean lint from the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it one a year or more often if you notice it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry
• Follow manufactures’ instructions and don’t overload your dryer

In the event you do experience a fire, call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County right away and we will get to work to restore your home to its preloss condition.