PREVENT DRYER FIRES

In order to prevent a clothes dryer fire in your home, we offer the following:

CLEAN THE FILTER SCREEN AFTER EACH LOAD.

This will keep the dryer vent clear. When accumulated lint clogs the vent, the dryer can overheat and a       fire could result.

STAY HOME WHEN THE DRYER IS IN USE.

Turn off the dryer before leaving the house.

CLEAN VENTS TO OUTSIDE.

Twice a year you should clean the plastic hose pipe that vents to the outside. Use the vacuum cleaner to suck out accumulated dust and lint.

VACUUM THE MOTOR AREA.

The dust and lint in the vent pipe can ignite if it gets hot enough. Vacuum the motor area if you can get to it. You may have to remove a panel.

DON'T DRY MOP HEADS.

The dryer's heat can ignite the cleaning chemical residue on mop heads.

KEEP SURROUNDING AREA CLEAR.

Don't leave clothing or other ordinary combustibles too close to the dryer. The dryer's heat may ignite them.

Information courtesy of FireFACTORS, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, P.O. Box 1025 - State Road, Stow, MA 01775 (978) 567-3300  www.mass.gov/dfs