SECTION G:  overheated clothes dryer

The U.S. consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries, Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.

Prevention Tips

• Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. if clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.

• Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure the exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the duct back to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again.
• Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.
• Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.
• Take special car when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals, such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothing and preferably, hand the clothing to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket.

SECTION H:  SPACE HEATERS & FIRES

The U.S. consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds consumers to follow safety precautions when purchasing and using electric or fuel-fired space heaters. In recent years, there were about 10,900 residential fires and about 190 deaths associated with portable or fixed local heaters. Fuel-burning space heaters can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning and indoor air pollution because of improper venting or incomplete combustion.

Prevention Tips

• Choose the space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features, while older space heaters may not meet the newer safety standards. CPSC and industry amended the vent heater standard to provide a spill switch to turn off the heater if the vent is blocked or disconnected.

• Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or heating element. Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least three (3) feet from bedding, drapes, furniture, or other flammable materials.
• Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an unvented fuel-burning space heater. This helps prevent pollutant build-up and promote proper combustion. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to provide sufficient combustion air to prevent CO production.
• Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. Never place a space heater close to any sleeping person.
• Turn the space heater OFF if you leave the area. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.