Maryland State Fire Marshal

News Release
Martin OMalley Brian S. Geraci
Governor State Fire Marshal
STATE FIRE MARSHAL BRIAN S. GERACI REMINDS ALL
MARYLANDERS OF CLOTHES DRYER SAFETY CONCERNS
STATEWIDE (August 18, 2014) Most home fires caused by clothes dryers can
be eliminated by regular maintenance and cleaning of the appliance and the attached ent
ducting! "Following the below listed guidelines will not only promote the longevity of
the dryer, but it will also lessen the chance for a fire, stated #ire Marshal $eraci!
%lean the lint filter before or after each use to allo& proper airflo&!
'eer operate the dryer &ithout the lint filter in place!
%hec( the outside ent housing and remoe any obstructions!
)peciali*ed brushes are aailable for purchase to reach into the area beneath
the lint screen and the ent pipe!
%onsider haing a +ualified professional serice the appliance at least once a
year to ensure pea( performance and efficiency!
,eep the area around the dryer clean and free of combustible items!
-nsure the dryer is plugged into an appropriate outlet designed for your
appliance!
.f you are drying items that &ere preiously contaminated &ith olatile
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chemicals such as gasoline, motor oil, coo(ing oils or other types of
combustible li+uids, please ensure you remoe the items soon after the drying
cycle ends! Aoid stac(ing them together until the items hae cooled to room
temperature! .f chemicals still remain in the items, they could self0ignite if
not allo&ed to cool properly!
1eplace plastic and thin foil accordion type ent ducting &ith rigid or semi0
rigid metal duct! /lastic and thin foil ducting can more easily trap lint, &hich
reduces airflo& and presents a potential fire ha*ard!
.f you leae your home, do not allo& the dryer to continue operating!
2o not oerload the dryer! 3he additional items cause stress on the appliance
and lo&er the effectieness to dry efficiently!
4hen in doubt, reie& the o&ner5s manual for proper safety measures!
#ollo&ing the aboe listed safety guidelines &ill help to ensure a regular household
tas( does not turn into a dangerous situation! Additionally, please ta(e the time to chec(
your smo(e alarms and carbon mono6ide detectors for proper operation!

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3he 7ffice of the )tate #ire Marshal is an agency of the 2epartment of )tate /olice dedicated to helping protect
citi*ens from fire and e6plosion through a comprehensie program of education, inspection, inestigation and
fire protection engineering! #or more information on fire safety call 10800082809124, log onto our &ebsite
at: &&&!mdsp!org;firemarshal and;or http:;;faceboo(!com;Maryland)tate#ireMarshal!
Media contact: <ruce 2! <ouch, 2eputy )tate #ire Marshal= 44909240>8?>
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