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THE ABC’S OF “DRYER FIRE” PREVENTION
FOLSOM, N.J. -- Found in 80 percent of US homes, clothes dryers can certainly be considered a desired convenience for the American consumer. But according to Phil Mitcheli, general manager of appliance service operations for South Jersey Energy Service Plus, they can also pose a fire hazard. Citing US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s statistics, Mitcheli indicates that 15,500 fires associated with clothes dryers occur each year. These fires result in an average of 10 deaths and 310 injuries and more than $84.4 million in property damage annually. He recommends remembering these “ABC’s” to prevent this from happening in your home.
Airflow. Proper venting and airflow is critical to the safe operation of your dryer. The CPSC recommends replacing plastic, vinyl and aluminum foil exhaust materials with rigid or flexible metal venting. Also, consider having the interior of the dryer and venting system cleaned periodically by qualified service personnel to ensure against buildup and to improve airflow.
Buildup. A main culprit of dryer fires is the buildup of lint. Be sure to empty the lint filter before or after each load. Don't forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can be trapped.
Content. Pay attention to what you put into the dryer. Do not dry clothing/fabric on which there is anything flammable (alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers, dry-cleaning solvents, etc.). Flammable substances emit vapors that could ignite or explode. Check your dryer’s manual for a list of contents that may not be suitable for your machine.
South Jersey Energy Service Plus provides heating and air conditioning installation and service as well as appliance repairs by NATE-certified technicians and installers. For more information on SJESP, visit www.sjindustries.com.
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