Basic Dryer Maintence Prevents Fire
In recent years there has been many stories about dryers catching on fire*.
Should we be concerned? Yes of course. We should take seriously anything that may put our family at risk.
Was the problem the dryer? Rarely.
After investigating it is usually determined to have been the venting within the home catching on fire, and not the dryer.
The Drying Process
When clothes are being dried inside your family dryer there are two processes happening. Firstly, heat is applied to the air inside the dryer drum as it turns. This raises its internal temperature to approximately 165 degrees Fahrenheit and causing moisture to be driven out of the clothes by evaporation. Secondly, a constant flow of air is passed through the clothes. Surprisingly, the real trick to efficiently dry clothes is not the heat, but rather this vast volume of air.
Most people think the purpose of venting is to push the heat and lint outside. Actually, its primary purpose is to dump the moisture outside the home. This job is accomplished easily when the dryer is near an outside wall.
The Venting Pipe
In many new houses the laundry room is located in the centre of the home, close to the family room or kitchen. If located upstairs it is often between the bedrooms, to allow easier access to laundry. Easier access, but the distance from the dryer to an outside wall is substantially longer. This leads to the crux of our problem. The venting is either too long, or has become restricted.
It is more difficult to push air down a long venting pipe than a short one. When the venting is too long the excess air can cause the venting to misbehave. This results in the moisture and lint collecting in the venting, rather than being dumped outside.
Taken to extremes lint can block the venting closed. When this happens it can cause the dryer to overheat. The normal drum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit can quickly shoot up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It may even get hot enough to allow lint in the venting to ignite.
For this reason manufacturers now suggest a maximum venting length of 15 feet. Excluding the first two elbows.
True Venting Length
If you want to know the true equivalent length of dryer venting, calculate the following:
1. Measure all the straight lengths and add them together
2. Count the number of turns or elbows, and multiply this number by 4
3. Add up the totals of steps 1 and 2Example: 20 feet of venting with 4 turns would actually be: 20 feet + 4X4 feet = 36 feet
Don’t be surprised by the true equivalent length of your venting. In modern homes it can be substantially longer than the manufacturers suggested maximum.
Signs to Watch For
If the blockage becomes critical the dryer will stop doing its job properly. As a homeowner watch for the following signs that the venting may be starting to block.
· Clothes coming out wet
· Excess lint left on clothes at cycle end
· Inside of dryer feels wet
· Taking too long to dry a load
· Clothes very hot at end of cycle
· Electrical consumption greatly increased
Since you can’t move the laundry room the best thing you can do is be aware that the problem exists. Consider taking down the venting and cleaning out the lint buildup during your annual spring-cleaning. Also, regularly walk outside and check the vent cap where it exits your house. Remove any lint buildup and make sure the flap moves freely.
If for any reason you suspect a venting problem turn off the dryer, unplug it, and call your appliance service company. Tell them your concerns, and ask for their help. As the old saying states, “better safe than sorry”.
* There are an average of 14,500 dryer fires every year.
National Fire Prevention Association
About the Author: Donald Grummett has worked in the trade over 30 years as a technician, business owner, and technical trainer. For more information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, and Recycling visit http://www.mgservices.ca. Read more articles by Donald Grummett. Article Source www.iSnare.com.
| Published: December 5, 2006 /Home Fire Safety |  Print This Post
|
Safe Pets Make a Happy Home
Keeping pets safe from fire is an easy job. It just requires a little patience and thinking a step ahead of your furry pal. The following pet fire safety tips will help you prevent a pet-caused fire in your home.
-Make sure all electrical cords are out of their reach. Some pets will chew right through the wire coating which will expose them to possible shock and can create a fire hazard.
-Place plastic plug covers in all unused outlets to prevent pets from accidentally shocking themselves. If you have electrical outlets outdoors and your pets are outdoors cover those as well with weatherproof covers.
-Place lit candles out of the way from all pets. Make sure candles are put in an area where pets can’t jump up and knock them over. Don’t leave lit candles and pets alone together.
-Keep your pet’s water dishes away from electrical wires and outlets. Any splashing into or onto the wires or outlets may cause sparking which may lead to fire.
-It’s a good idea to keep pets out of the kitchen especially when cooking. Animals that jump on the counters run the risk of swiping their tails over lit stove burners.
About the Author: Sarah Chasse operates http://www.firesafehouse.com which is a site devoted to fire, fire safety, fire fighting opportunities and other things related to fire.
| Published: December 2, 2006 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
|
Kitchen Safety is Common Sense
This will come as no great surprise, but did you know that the majority of house fires are the result of cooking? In fact, studies show that cooking results in approximately 400,000 fires every year in single family homes and multiple family dwellings. Add to that the number of fires that go unreported and the total is more like 3.5 million residential fires.
Here are some tips from the Orange County (Calif) Fire Authority to help prevent most of these fires:
+Never leave cooking unattended - This is probably the most common cause of kitchen fires. This includes all appliances including toaster ovens, coffee pots and other small appliances. They can overheat and cause a fire if left alone. Be sure to unplug them when not in use.
+Wear close-fitting clothes while cooking - loose, long sleeves can catch fire when dangling near hot burners. Wear close fitting sleeves and avoid storing things over the stove and having to reach over hot burners to retrieve items.
+Avoid overloading outlets - plugging too many appliances into an outlet could result in an electrical fire. Also be aware of cracked or frayed cords.
+Heat oil slowly - Fires can start easily if the setting is too high and the pan is unattended.
+Smother a grease fire - don’t use water on a cooking fire as this will spread the fire and make the it worse. Slide a lid or other non combustible item over the fire and remove the heat source. With oven fires, close the door and turn off the oven.
+Do not allow children to play around the range and other appliances.
+Don’t hesitate to call 911.
These are just some of the common-sense reminders that can help to prevent a fire and send your dream home up in flames. Or, worse, cause severe injury or death. A small amount of caution can make a world of difference. Remember what your mother said: don’t play with fire!
About the Author: Eileen Church operates http://www.firebx.com which is a site devoted to fire, fire safety, fire fighting opportunities and other things related to fire. Please visit http://www.firebx.com Read more articles by Eileen Church. Article source www.iSnare.com.
| Published: November 30, 2006 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
|
How much do you know about fires and home safety? Where is the safest air in your home during a fire? What is the proper home safety protocol for a fire? Take this short, six-question quiz to find out the answers to these questions and to test your knowledge of fire and home safety issues. After completing the questions scroll down to the bottom of the page to check your answers.
Lets face it how many of us have really thought about fire protection? It may cross our minds as we watch the news or read the paper. Yet we probably haven’t taken any steps to ensure fire safety in our own homes. Unfortunately most people think it won’t happen to them. It would be nice if that were true, but as statistics show it is not.
Every year nearly 4,000 Americans die in fires and more than 25,000 are injured.
Fire and Home Safety Quiz
1. True or False: You are in a smoke-filled room. The correct home safety rule is to keep your head as close to the floor as possible as you exit.
a) true
b) falseAnswer: b) false–heat and smoke rise, therefore the air closest to the floor is the coolest. Plastics, nylons, and other manmade materials emit deadly gasses when burned, and these gasses are heavier than air. The proper home safety rule is to crawl to the nearest exit with your head approximately 18 inches from the floor; this is where the safest air is located.
2. True or false: Fire spreads methodically from one object to another and from one room to the next.
a) true
b) falseAnswer: b) false–during a fire heat rises and temperatures can exceed 500 degrees. As this hot air fills the area closest to the ceiling it begins to descend and flow under doors and through cracks. Upon contact with a flammable object, this hot air can ignite a new fire in a different room than the original fire.
3. According to home safety guidelines, if a fire breaks out while you are on the second floor of your home you should…
a) open the window and jump to safety.
b) run to the door, open it, and exit the room as quickly as possible.
c) feel the door for heat as high up as possible; if it doesn’t feel hot, slowly open it and crawl to safety.
d) none of the above.Answer: c) feel the door for heat, and slowly open it. If you open the door quickly and the air inside your room is cooler than that in the hallway, a back draft explosion could occur.
4. True or False: Children playing with fires is the leading cause of fire deaths in preschoolers.
a) true
b) falseAnswer: a) true–home safety starts with teaching children fire safety rules. Two thirds of those killed in fires started by children playing are under the age of six.
5. While asleep, a fire starts in your home. Upon waking you should…
a) bolt upright and exit your room and home as quickly as possible.
b) run to the window and jump to safety.
c) frantically run out of the house yelling at your family to wake up.
d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety.Answer: d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety. Bolting upright could easily plunge your head directly into the extreme heat and deadly thick smoke. One breath could prove fatal.
6. If your clothes catch fire, the appropriate home safety procedure is to…
a) run to your neighbor’s yard and jump in their pool.
b) frantically jump up and down.
c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire.
d) run in circles, scream, and yell until help arrives.Answer: c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire. STOP! DROP! and ROLL! is the home safety rule of thumb when your clothes are on fire. Running amok fans the flames, causing the fire to spread.
About the Author: Ralph Winn writes about Fire and Home Safety and articles on Home Security Systems. Read more articles by Ralph Winn. Article Source www.iSnare.com.
| Published: November 27, 2006 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
|
In 2004, the 410 thousand residential fires in America caused more than 14 thousand injuries and 3 thousand deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). You can prevent fire-related deaths and injuries, and even most residential fires by being knowledgeable about fire safety. Ensure your and your family’s safety by creating an escape plan, teaching children fire safety and fire-proofing your home.
Fire Safety Escape Plan
A fire safety escape plan tells everyone what to do if your home catches on fire. Your family needs to discuss fire safety issues, and design an escape plan for your home. The escape plan needs to inform everyone in your family of the two safest routes out of each room in your house and where to meet once outside.
When discussing fire safety issues with your family, it is also a good idea to talk about each person’s responsibilities in the case of a fire, such as who helps whom out of the house. Be sure to explain to each family member to crawl to a safe exit; don’t stop to save anything, and, if possible, to alert others by yelling “FIRE!” or beating on doors as they crawl by.
Fire Safety and Kids
Fire safety and education begins with children. Tragically, children cause over thousands of residential fires each year, the majority stemming from children playing with matches. You need to teach your children to obey the following fire safety rules: Never play with matches or lighters, always have an adult help you when cooking, never touch gasoline or any other flammable liquids,
Always STOP, DROP, AND ROLL! If you or your clothes catch on fire. Never place anything into an electrical outlet and always get help from an adult if something catches on fire.Your children are the most important people in your life, so educate them about fire safety and prevention.
Fire Safety and Your Home
Electrical fires are the most common type of residential fires in America. The following fire safety tips lower the probability of residential electrical fires: Don’t overload outlets or piggy-back extension cords, Keep all combustible items, such as hairspray and household cleaners, away from all heaters, Check all electrical tools and appliances for frayed or cracked cords, Purchase electrical appliances that meet the Underwriter’s Laboratory’s (UL) safety requirements and Keep children away from electrical appliances, such as heaters and irons.
Electric stoves, ovens, stereos, heaters, and clothes dryers are responsible for the majority residential electrical fires. Follow all manufacturers’ instructions, and use all appliances carefully and responsibly. Sometimes, no matter the precautionary fire safety steps you take, an electrical fire can still occur. If this happens, knowing the proper fire safety procedure is invaluable in keeping your home safe. Shut off burning appliances by unplugging the cord, Put out small fires with your home fire extinguisher
, Do not put water on electrical fires, Get everyone out of the house and Do not try to handle large fires by yourself; call 911, report the fire, and tell them it is an electrical fire.
Educating yourself and your family on fire safety helps to lower your chances of a residential fire and gives you the knowledge of what to do in the case of a fire.
About the Author: Where you can find out more about Fire Alarm Systems and articles on Smoke and Fire Detectors Read more articles by Ralph Winn. Article source www.iSnare.com.
| Published: November 24, 2006 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
|
While some causes of fire are general and can occur anywhere, other causes are more specific for certain rooms. Listed below are some of the general causes of fire to look for in your home:
Electrical
Don’t underestimate the fire risk from electricity just because there is no flame involved. The over warming of hot plugs and sockets and blown fuses may start a fire.
Smoking
Most cigarettes related fires start because the cigarette is not put out completely. Additional common causes include falling asleep with a cigarette and using improper ashtrays.
Candles
Even a tiny candle flame can have upsetting consequences. Many candle related fires start due to draughts that lead fire to catch burnable items and tilting candles that are not placed in suitable holders.
The Kitchen
The kitchen contains many hazards that can cause fires. The common combination of open fire, grease, electricity, and water is very dangerous. Grease fire is a common cause for fires in the kitchen is and is usually caused by fry pans. This type is dangerous as it can set the whole kitchen on fire. Additional fires are dry cooking fires and oven fires. These types are easy to control and they are not likely to cause damage. Kitchen appliances may also cause fire if not maintained well.
Bedrooms
Bedroom fires are usually caused by misuse of electrical devices. Electrical fires can start due to overloading extension cords and the use of electric blankets and warmers with no lab-approval. Heaters are a concern during winter if they are recklessly placed near linen, clothes, and other flammable items
Attics, Basements and the Garage
Popular as storage areas these places usually contain fire hazards such as gasoline and other flammable liquids. Old clothes, papers and other combustible items are also hazardous and should be stored safely. Many of the electrical fire hazards are also located in these areas. Worn cords, electrical boxes and other signs of electrical trouble should be treated immediately.
Heating Devices and Fireplaces
These are planned to generate heat and may be hazardous if not maintained well. Operating the fireplace without a screen will allow sparks to fly into the room and cause fire. Other causes of fire are combustible items such as wallpaper, curtains, and clothing that are left without maintaining adequate clearance around the heater.
About the Author: The author is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS™, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages. To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com. Read more articles by Kimberly Duncan Article Source www.iSnare.com
| Published: November 22, 2006 /Home Fire Safety | Print This Post
|
« Previous Page
