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Washers & Dryers
Dryer and washing machines were
involved in one out of every twenty-five home structure fires reported to U.S.
fire departments in 1999-2002.
Facts and figures
- Dryers and washing machines
were involved in an average of 13,300 home structure fires per year between
1999 and 2002. These fires caused an average of10 deaths, 280 injuries and
$97 million in direct property damage per year.1
- Clothes dryers and washing
machines were involved in 4% of the home structure fires reported between
1999 and 2002.1
- Clothes dryers accounted for
93% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations
accounted for 3%.1
- The leading cause of home
clothes dryer and washer fires was failure to clean (30%), followed by
unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction (19%). Sixteen percent
were caused by some type of electrical failure or short circuit.1
- Almost one third (31%) of
these fires started with the ignition of clothing. In one quarter
(24%), dust, fiber, or lint was the first item ignited.1
1Source: NFPA's U.S.
Home Product Report: Appliances and Equipment Involved in Fires, November, 2005.
Washers
- Washing machines are a fire
risk due to their high wattage, friction, motors and heat and lint buildup.
- Do not overload the washing
machine.
- Be sure the washing machine
is installed according to manufacturers directions or have an authorized
service/repairperson install the machine.
- Be sure the drain hose/line
is unobstructed.
- Ensure the water lines are
connected securely.
- Ensure the washing machine
is on it's own branch circuit.
- Install an automatic water
valve shut-off in case of hose breakage or leakage.
Dryers
- Do not operate the dryer
without a lint filter.
- Clean lint filters before or
after each use.
- Remove accumulated lint from
around the drum.
- Make sure the dryer is
plugged into an receptacle suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded
receptacles can cause blown fuses or tripped breakers.
- Turn off the dryer when
leaving the home.
- Turn off the dryer before
going to bed at night.
- Keep the dryer area clear of
combustibles.
- Dryers should be installed
& service by authorized service/repairpersons.
- Have gas-powered dryers
inspected by a professional regularly to ensure that the gas line and
connection are intact.
Dryer Vents
- Check your dryer vent and
vent hose regularly for lint accumulation.
Heat
build-up could spark a fire in the hose or your dryer.
- Dryer vents should be made
of rigid metal. Flexible plastic vents can be damaged by high heat,
age and contact with other objects. Accordion type vents (metal or
plastic) can crimp and are also more likely to trap lint.
- The vent should be run as
short a distance as possible, yet never more than 25 feet, in a straight
line.
- All vents should discharge
directly to the home's exterior--never a crawl space, attic, garage, chimney
or other room.
- Make sure you have a
backdraft damper at the termination point
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