Dryer Safety

Clothes dryers accounted for the largest share of appliance and tool fires between 1994-1998.

Facts & figures

• There were 14,300 clothes dryer fires in U.S. homes in 1998, resulting in 19 deaths, 312 injuries and $67.7 million in direct property damage.
• The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires was lack of maintenance (30%), followed by unidentified or unknown-type mechanical failure (11%) and part failure, leak or break (10%).
• Clothing (not on a person) was the most common source of ignition in home clothes dryer fires, followed by dust, fiber or lint.

Source: NFPA's U.S. Home Product Report: Appliances and Equipment Involved in Fires, January 2002.

Safety tips

• Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Clean lint filters before or after each use and remove accumulated lint from around the drum.
• Make sure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded electrical outlets can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
• Turn the dryer off when leaving the home.
• Keep the dryer area clear of combustibles (i.e., boxes or clothing).
• Dryers should be installed and serviced by a professional.
• Have gas-powered dryers inspected by a professional regularly to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact.