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U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION WEBPAGE)*--->
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html====================================================================================
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HERE is Something We Really Have not Mentioned and Pretty Much Forget About in Our Homes)*--->
Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Outreach MaterialsFacts about home clothes dryer fires* 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss
* Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.
* More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.
The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them <---*(
HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL DO & DON,T TIPS FOR A CLEANER DRYER)*--->
Clothes Dryer Do’sInstallation* Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional.
* Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly.
* Read manufacturers' instructions and warnings in use and care manuals that come with new dryers.
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Cleaning* Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up.
* In addition, clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it becomes clogged.
* Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months.
* Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.
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Maintenance* Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.
* Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow and dirt.
* Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.
* Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.
* Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are together and
free of 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.
* If you will be away from home for an extended time, unplug or disconnect the dryer.
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Clothes Dryer Don’t's* Don’t use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.
* Don’t overload the dryer.
* Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.
* 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.
* Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.
