AFTER a recent surge in the number of tumble dryer fires, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to take special care with their appliances.
“People are using tumble dryers more frequently during this unseasonably wet and cool summer weather, so we would like to issue some advice when using these appliances, in particular never leave a tumble dryer on when you are out of the house,” said Station Commander John Elsworth from the HWFRS prevention department.
Please be aware of the following tumble dryer safety advice:
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Don’t use tumble dryers at night or while unattended
Get into the habit of checking and cleaning the fluff filter every time the machine is used
Do not cover the vent or any other opening, ensure the vent pipe is free of kinks and is not crushed in any way
Only use recommended vent pipes and not improvised ones
Only vent the warm air to the outside of a building
Do not put rags or materials into your tumble dryer if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids
Items should be removed from the dryer immediately after the cycle and shaken loose to assist cooling
Don’t overload plug sockets.
“Having working smoke alarms in your house can save lives,” continued SC Elsworth. “Please ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them each week.”
