Spring Cleaning: Fire Hazards
 
February 23, 2019
 

We are approaching that time of year; opening windows, decluttering from another winter, and welcoming the spring with open arms. With this "spring cleaning" comes many fire hazards that people may often overlook.

Ventilation system filters should be inspected and changed. Dust accumulation can cause a severe fire hazard.

It doesn't stop there.

Check other areas of your home, such as the ventilation exhaust for your home's dryer. Cited from the NFPA page:

"In 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 15,970 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year.
These fires caused annual averages of 13 civilian deaths, 444 civilian injuries, and $238 million in direct property damage.
The vast majority of fires (92%) involved clothes dryers.
The leading items first ignited in dryer fires were dust, fiber or lint (26% of total) and clothing (26%), while items first ignited in washing machine fires were part of the appliance itself, including wire or cable insulation (26%), appliance housing or casing (24%), and drive belt (11%)."