Fire Talk with Chris Clark, Interim Fire Marshal, Virginia Fire Department
As we all know, doing laundry is a chore, yet we have to keep fire safety in mind and develop good habits as a dryer can be a source of a fire. Here are some tips to keep your laundry fresh and clean and your family safe.
- Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
- Do not use the dryer without the lint filter.
- Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry and remove any lint build-up around the drum.
- Rigid and flexible metal venting material should be used to maintain the proper air flow and drying time.
- Make sure the exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is operating. Keep debris such as snow, shrubs and other materials free and clear of the outside exhaust hood. You should clean your venting system at least twice a year and more frequently if you notice changes in drying times being extended or clothes still being damp. You may be surprised how often you do this and the increased performance of your dryer.
- Keep your dryer in good working order. If you have a gas dryer, have a professional inspect and conduct maintenance on your dryer. You can add this to your list when annual maintenance is performed on your gas furnace. With all gas appliances, remember to have a CO alarm placed in the area.
- Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and the dryer is connected properly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
- Turn off your dryer when going to bed or when you are leaving home.
Reference: www.nfpa.org/education
Chris Clark-Interim Fire Marshal-VFD
