NFPA Public Education Division • 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169
Your Source for SAFETY Information
www.nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2016
AND
DON’T
FOrGET...
Doing laundry is most likely part of your every day routine. But
did you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to
the safety of your home? With a few simple safety tips you can help
prevent a clothes dryer fire.
Dryers should be properly
grounded.
Check the outdoor vent flap
to make sure it is not covered
by snow.
Keep the area around your
dryer clear of things that can
burn, like boxes, cleaning
supplies and clothing, etc.
Clothes that have come in
contact with flammable
substances, like gasoline,
paint thinner, or similar
solvents should be laid
outside to dry, then can be
washed and dried as usual.
FACT
•
The leading cause of home
clothes dryer fires is failure
to clean them.
!
KKK Have your dryer installed and serviced by a
professional.
KKK Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
KKK Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after
each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected
around the drum.
KKK Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be
used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
KKK Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted
and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer
is operating. Once a year, or more often if you
notice that it is taking longer than normal for your
clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or
have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
KKK Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers
should be inspected by a qualified professional
to make sure that the gas line and connection are
intact and free of leaks.
KKK Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and
that the machine is connected properly.
KKK Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions
and don’t overload your dryer.
KKK Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you
go to bed.
Clothes Dryer Clothes Dryer
SafetySafety
Name of Organization Here
