LOCAL FIRE IN THE NEWS

Consider the following National Fire Protection Association recommendations:

• Hire a professional to setup and service your dryer.
• Clean out your vent pipe once a year, or more frequently if your garments are taking longer than usual to dry. If you have a large family or dogs, you should clean your vent more frequently.
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter and replace it after every wash or after loads with a lot of lint.
• Clean up any lint that has accumulated around the cylinder.
• To maintain proper air movement and drying time, rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used.
• Check that your air exhaust vent pipe is not obstructed and that the external vent flap opens when your dryer is turned on. 
• Maintain dryers in excellent working order. A qualified expert should examine gas dryers to ensure that the gas line and connections are intact and free of leaks.
• Ensure that the correct plug and outlet are used, and that the machine is correctly connected. 
• Follow the manufacturer's directions and avoid overloading your dryer.
• Turn off the machine before leaving the house or going to bed.