Dryer Vent Hazards

Failure to clean dryer vents is cited as the leading factor in clothes dryer fires.

Dryer lint is the most common source of ignition. The risk of fire is equal for both gas-fueled clothes dryers and electric-powered clothes dryers. Even energy-efficient dryers cause lint to build up in the vent line.

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. Or, often your chimney sweep service may also perform vent cleaning.

Facts and figures

In 2010, an estimated 16,800 reported U.S. home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines resulted in 51 civilian deaths, 380 civilian injuries, and $236 million in direct property damage.

Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires, washing machines for 4%, and washer-and-dryer combinations for 4%.

The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer fires was failure to clean (32%), followed by unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction (22%). Some type of electrical failure or malfunction caused eight percent. *from NFPA

Dryer Safety Tips from NFPA

Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper airflow and drying time.
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.
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.
Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
Failure to clean dryer vents is cited as the leading contributing factor in clothes dryer fires.

Don’t Take Chances: Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives!

Carbon Monoxide Safety

In 2010, California passed a law requiring carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in homes. Since July 1, 2011, single-family homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages have been required to install CO alarms. Apartments, condominiums, hotels, and other multi-family housing have been required to comply since January 1, 2013.

Carbon Monoxide vs. Carbon Dioxide

Don't confuse carbon monoxide (CO) with carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Carbon Monoxide (CO): A poisonous gas produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, kerosene, or charcoal are burned.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): A naturally occurring gas that humans exhale and plants use to produce oxygen.

Why Carbon Monoxide Is Dangerous

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without a CO alarm. High levels can become deadly within minutes.

Common sources include:

Furnaces and water heaters
Fireplaces and wood stoves
Gas ranges and ovens
Portable generators
Vehicles running in attached garages

Warning: Never run a vehicle or generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space. Snow, debris, or other obstructions can block a vehicle's exhaust pipe, causing carbon monoxide to quickly build up inside the vehicle.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Early symptoms often resemble the flu and may include:

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Confusion
Loss of balance
Muscle weakness

If multiple people experience these symptoms at the same time, leave the building immediately, get fresh air, and call 911 or your local emergency services.

Prevention

The best way to deal with carbon monoxide is to avoid it in the first place. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home as recommended and follow these prevention guidelines:

DO have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves - inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Check furnace and clothes dryer flues for signs of damage or obstruction. Birds and squirrels are known for building nests or hiding food in exhaust flues
DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers' instructions.
DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.
DON'T idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
DON'T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
DON'T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace.
DON'T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
DON'T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.
DON'T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.