This past weekend, the Manassas fire and rescue department responded to two calls for house fires in Manassas that were caused by clothes dryers.
Prompted by the recent string of dryer fires, the city and the fire and rescue department have released a list of safety tips to prevent these types of fire in your home:
Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
Do not use the dryer without a lint filter. Clean the lint filter before and after each cycle.
Do not forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up.
Check the venting system behind the dryer to make sure that it is not damaged, crushed or restricted.
Make sure that the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is operating.
The fire marshal also expressed the need for residents to have their appliances properly installed.
“Always have a qualified electrical professional install your appliances,” said Fire Marshal Frank Teevan, continuing, “We want our residents to be fire safe.”
The Manassas fire and rescue department offers a free smoke alarm to all city residents, as part of a public safety program.
