Washer & Dryer Fires
Dryers and washing machine fires were involved in 1 out of 22 house fires reported to U.S. fire departments during the years 2006-2010. In 2010, clothes dryers and washing machines accounted for 4.5% of all reported home structure fires, 1.9% of associated civilian deaths, 2.8% of associated civilian injuries, and 3.1% of associated direct property damage. We here at Bushkill Twp. Vol. Fire Co. cannot stress enough to make sure your dryer lint catcher is ALWAYS clean. We have gathered some safety tips and facts for you to read over below to prevent loss of life and property.
FACTS
* In 2010 there was an estimated 16,800 reported U.S. non-confined or confined house fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines that resulted in 51 deaths, 380 injuries, and $236 million in direct property damage.
* Dryers accounted for 92% of the fires, washing machines 4%, and combined washer/dryers accounted for 4%.
* The leading cause of clothes dryer and washing machine fires was the failure to make sure they were clean (32%), followed by unclassified mechanical failures or malfunctions (22%). 8% were caused by some type of electrical failure or malfunction.
Safety Tips
* Make sure your dryer vent, lint trap, and machine are always clean.
* Do NOT use your dryer without a lint filter.
* Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
* Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the dryer drum.
* Rigid or flexible venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
* Make sure that the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted or kinked and that the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is in operation. Clean the lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do this for you every year or more often if you notice it is taking longer than normal to dry your clothes.
* 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 any leaks.
* Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.
* Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that can burn.
* Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.
* Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.
* Don’t dry any item for which manufacturers' instructions state “dry away from heat.”
* Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers' instructions allow).
* Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
* Make sure that the right plug and outlets are used and that the machine is connected properly.
* Follow all manufacturer's operating instructions and be sure not to overload your dryer.
* Turn the dryer off when you leave your home or go to bed.
FACTS
* In 2010 there was an estimated 16,800 reported U.S. non-confined or confined house fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines that resulted in 51 deaths, 380 injuries, and $236 million in direct property damage.
* Dryers accounted for 92% of the fires, washing machines 4%, and combined washer/dryers accounted for 4%.
* The leading cause of clothes dryer and washing machine fires was the failure to make sure they were clean (32%), followed by unclassified mechanical failures or malfunctions (22%). 8% were caused by some type of electrical failure or malfunction.
Safety Tips
* Make sure your dryer vent, lint trap, and machine are always clean.
* Do NOT use your dryer without a lint filter.
* Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
* Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the dryer drum.
* Rigid or flexible venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
* Make sure that the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted or kinked and that the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is in operation. Clean the lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do this for you every year or more often if you notice it is taking longer than normal to dry your clothes.
* 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 any leaks.
* Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.
* Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that can burn.
* Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.
* Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.
* Don’t dry any item for which manufacturers' instructions state “dry away from heat.”
* Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers' instructions allow).
* Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
* Make sure that the right plug and outlets are used and that the machine is connected properly.
* Follow all manufacturer's operating instructions and be sure not to overload your dryer.
* Turn the dryer off when you leave your home or go to bed.
