How to Prevent Fires Sparked by Appliances
Every year there are stories about fires that start in laundry and utility areas of residences. Most of these fires are preventable. Here is what you should do to keep your family safe:
* Clean your lint trap after every load. Residential dryers come with screened filters designed to trap lint emitted from laundry as it tumbles. Because lint is highly flammable, it is imperative that the trap be checked and cleaned after each load to reduce lint buildup in the machine and vent line.
* Once a month, check the walls and floors behind the dryer for lint buildup. Pull the machine out from the wall and clear any accumulated lint with a damp cloth.
* If you find substantial lint behind the machine, it is likely that the duct line that carries exhaust from the dryer to the wall inlet is damaged. Inspect it carefully for any cracks or holes and, if it’s damaged, replace it before using the dryer again.
* Make sure the duct line is of nonflammable material such as laminated flexible aluminum, not plastic. If you see a white corrugated pipe about 4 inches thick behind the machine, odds are it is plastic and needs to be replaced. This is an easy do-it-yourself project, but you can also pay an appliance service company to do it for you.
* Never store flammable items such paper bags, brooms, mops, etc. near gas-fired water heaters or furnaces. These appliances have an open gas flame which, under certain conditions, could flare up, igniting items stored nearby. Also, never put anything on top of these appliances.
* Never store flammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene in the garage if your furnace, water heater or gas dryer is in the same area. Fumes from these liquids can travel to the open burner flame or pilot, causing an explosion.
* Three times yearly, take a close look at the vent pipe that carries exhaust from the top of the water heater or furnace. Make sure it is solid and intact. Breaks in the line can cause poisonous fumes to escape into the room air.
* Once a year, contact the gas company to do a free safety check of all your gas appliances. This is a little known free service that homeowners should take advantage of.
* Replace rubber washing machine hoses with stainless steel jacketed hoses to help prevent hose rupture. Failed washing machine hoses are major sources of water damage claims on homeowner insurance policies. Also, be sure to shut the hot-and cold-water valves when the machine is not in use.
* Keep several fire extinguishers in the house. Experts suggest at least one in the kitchen, one in the garage and one in the bedroom area. And be sure to check the pressure gauge monthly to ensure proper operation. Replace any extinguisher that shows a low reading.
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Gary Abrams is a general contractor who has written about home improvement for The Times for 10 years. Comments and questions can be e-mailed to Abrams at homedoc1@hotmail.com.
