Dryer Vent Fire Safety: What Every Home Should Do
Dryers produce heat and lint in the same small space. A few simple habits go a long way, and most of them take less than a minute.
Habits to build
- Clean the lint screen before or after every load
- Don't run the dryer when nobody's home or when you're asleep
- Keep the area around the dryer clear of boxes and clothes
- Check the outside vent while the dryer runs
- Have the vent cleaned regularly
Stop and check if you notice
- A burning smell
- A dryer that's very hot to touch
- Clothes that come out unusually hot
- Loads that take noticeably longer than they used to
NFPA data points to failure to clean as a leading factor in home dryer fires. A clear vent won't remove every risk, but it deals with one of the biggest ones you can control.
If you have a fire
Get everyone out and call 911. Don't open the dryer door to look inside.
Need the vent cleaned?
We offer dryer vent cleaning across the South Bay, and we'll tell you if the vent needs repair as well.