Hidden Fire Hazards

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Clothes dryers account for thousands of home fires each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). When lint builds up in a dryer or its exhaust duct, it can block the flow of air and cause excessive heat buildup—resulting in a fire.

Prevent a potentially deadly fire disaster in your Sudbury, MA home by following this advice:

Clean and inspect the lint screen/filter before or after each load of laundry

If your clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or you notice drying times are longer than normal, the lint screen or the exhaust duct may be blocked.

Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically

Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is running to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If not, the vent or exhaust duct may be blocked, and you may need to disconnect the duct to clear the blockage (reconnect the ducting before using the dryer again).

Have your dryer professionally inspected

Each year, hire a qualified technician to make sure your dryer is properly vented and that the vent and chassis are free from lint.

Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter

Maintain a 36-inch clear space around the dryer. Clean behind the dryer, and keep the laundry area neat and clutter-free, with no combustible objects near the dryer.

Replace plastic or foil ducts

Exhaust ducts should be installed at least 6 inches from combustible materials. Use UL-listed rigid or corrugated metal duct or spiral-wound aluminum flex hose.

Properly vent gas-powered dryers

This will prevent a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends having the gas line and connection inspected annually by a professional.

Cover your outside wall damper

Cover your damper to keep out rain, snow, dirt and to deter birds and small animals from nesting in your vent, but don’t use wire screen or cloth, which can collect lint and clog up the vent.

If you’ve suffered fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Framingham at 508-370-4400. We will make it, "Like it never even happened."