Politics & Government

Clothes Dryer Safety: Tips to Burn into Memory

The Maryland State Fire Marshal, warning that clothes dryers can cause fires, urges owners to clean lint from filters and vents and to never leave home when a dryer is operating.

Clothes dryers can cause fires.

But maintaining and cleaning them and the attached vent ductwork can help prevent a tragedy.

“Following the below listed guidelines will not only promote the longevity of the dryer, but it will also lessen the chance for a fire,” said Maryland State Fire Marshal William Barnard.

Find out what's happening in Pikesvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Clean the lint filter before or after each use to allow proper airflow
  • Never use the dryer without the lint filter in place
  • Check the outside vent and remove any obstructions. There are special brushes to buy that will reach into the area beneath the lint screen and vent pipe
  • Keep combustibles away from the dryer area
  • Make sure it's plugged into an appropriate outlet designed for your appliance
  • Replace plastic and thin foil accordion-type vent ducting with rigid or semi-rigid metal ductwork. Plastic and thin foil ducting can more easily trap lint, which reduces airflow and can be a fire hazard
  • Don't leave home with the dryer operating.
  • Don't overload the dryer as it causes stress on the appliance and lowers the ability to dry efficiently.
  • Review the owner’s manual for proper safety measures
  • If some items have had volatile chemicals on them such as gasoline, motor oil, cooking oils or other types of combustible liquids, please remove them soon after the drying cycle ends. Avoid stacking them together until the items have cooled to room temperature. If chemicals still remain in the items, they could self-ignite if not allowed to cool properly.
  • Something to consider: Get a professional to service the dryer at least once a year

Please check to see if your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, the release states.

The fire marshal is headquartered in Pikesville at Maryland State Police headquarters.

Find out what's happening in Pikesvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Have you or someone you know ever had an experience with a dryer fire, or a close call? What precautions do you take? Are you another expert on this subject? If so, do you have any tips to add?


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