How to Prevent Dryer Fires in NJ
In our everyday lives, we use the dryer to dry our clothes and other stuff. But if the dryer catches fire, it can be a serious safety concern for households. According to the US Fire Administration, 2900 dryer fires occur every year. These fires cause many deaths, injuries, and financial damages. These details demonstrate that there are significant threats to your house from your dryer. According to the USFA, the most frequent reason for these fires is failure to clean the device, which accounts for 34% of dryer fires. That’s why we can’t take any risks and need prevention for dryer fires.
What Causes Dryer Fires?
Dryer fires can be caused by many reasons and they can create great chaos at your property if you don't notice it in time. Those common causes of dryer fires are:
- Lint buildup
- Obstructed or faulty ventilation systems
- A malfunctioning thermostat or thermal fuse
- Flammable materials in the dryer
- Faulty wiring or damaged cords
- Lack of regular maintenance
Prevent Dryer Fires to Avoid Accidents
Preventing dryer fires is very important for the safety of your home and family. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of dryer fires:
- Regularly clean the lint filter: Remove lint from the filter before or after each use. A clogged lint filter restricts airflow and increases the risk of a fire.
- Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct: Unplug the dryer and disconnect the vent hose. Use a vacuum or a dryer vent brush to remove lint and debris from the vent and exhaust duct. Make sure the duct is properly attached and free of obstructions.
- Check the venting system: Ensure that the venting system is installed correctly and meets local building codes. It should be made of rigid metal or UL-listed flexible metal ducting. Avoid using plastic or foil ducts, as they can sag or accumulate lint more easily.
- Maintain proper airflow: Avoid overloading the dryer, as it can lead to overheating. Allow sufficient space for air to circulate freely around the dryer and the exhaust vent.
- Keep the area around the dryer clean: Regularly clean the area around the dryer, removing lint, dust, and other flammable materials. Pay attention to the floor and back of the dryer, as lint can accumulate there.
- Avoid overloading the dryer: Overloading the dryer can prevent proper airflow, leading to overheating. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for load capacity and avoid packing the dryer excessively.
- Use proper venting materials: Ensure that the venting materials used for your dryer are up to code and recommended by the manufacturer. Flexible plastic or foil vents are more prone to collecting lint and can increase the risk of fires. Rigid metal ducts are safer options.
- Avoid leaving the dryer unattended: Try to avoid leaving the dryer running when you leave the house or go to bed. If a fire were to start, you would be present to respond quickly.
- Install a smoke detector near the dryer: Place a smoke detector near the dryer area to provide an early warning in case of a fire.
- Schedule professional maintenance: Consider having a professional inspection and cleaning your dryer vents annually or as recommended by the manufacturer. They can identify potential issues and ensure proper functioning.
Professional Restoration of Fire Damage from Dryer Fires
Fire incidents are the worst situation that any homeowner can imagine at their home. And the devastation of fire can be horrible. It not only destroys your property but is also life-threatening for anyone. That’s why whenever you use a dryer, you should be very careful about its maintenance and use. Otherwise, it can cause fire damage and loss of property and lives. If you face any fire damage, smoke damage, soot damage and need emergency board-up, contact PDQ Fire & Water Damage Restoration as early as possible. We work 24/7 to provide the best fire damage restoration services to our customers.
To consult with our crew members, contact us online or call us at 973-447-3363 and make an appointment with us.
