Could Your Dryer Start A House Fire?
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When you think of a house fire, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the kitchen. The oven, microwave or stove may seem to host the most potential danger, but have you ever considered what other household appliances could cause a fire?
According to the United States Fire Administration, almost 3,000 dryer fires take place each year in the United Stated. About 84 percent of dryer fires take place in residential settings such as single-family homes, apartment or condos.
The fires more commonly take place during the fall and winter seasons, which could possibly relate the cause back to the clothing fibers more popular in cold weather clothing. Failure to clean out the dryer’s lint collector and outdoor vent are common reasons for these types of fires to start. When a dryer fire starts, not only will the machine and clothing be considered a un-useable, but they have the potential to spread throughout the house quickly crating opportunity for a total loss.
Be sure to maintain your dryer properly as we approach cold clothing season. It’s always smart to clean out the back exhaust tube once a year, and each time you do laundry you should empty the lint catcher. By taking those extra precautions, you reduce the risk of fire, damages and inconvenience in the future.
