New York State Comments on This Nationwide Dryer Alert
We are about to enter that time of year when we spend more time indoors here in New York State. Although there are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy when the weather gets cold and the snow starts to fall, many families spend more time inside trying to find ways to stay entertained until spring arrives.
However, spending more time indoors also means there are more opportunities for things to go wrong around the house. The United States National Park Service has an important warning that families should keep in mind.
Laundry Can Become a Big Job for Families
If you have a family with lots of kids, you can probably relate to the mountains of laundry we are dealing with right now.
Read more: New York State's Firewood Law Being Enforced This Fall
Now that the kids are back in school, it seems like they are changing outfits two or three times a day, especially when sporting practices are involved. The laundry pile seems endless, and it is one of those household tasks that simply has to get done.
As parents, we absolutely hate doing it.
Maybe I am speaking for myself, but laundry is one of my least favorite chores because the kids rarely help with this one. However, it is laundry that could potentially be causing a serious problem inside your home this fall and winter.
Dryer Lint Can Increase the Risk of House Fires
According to information from the United States National Park Service, dryer fires cause deaths and property damage each year, but many of these fires can be prevented with a little effort and regular maintenance.
Many people do not realize just how dangerous excessive dryer lint buildup can be.
When I was doing laundry recently, I noticed that after washing and drying all of the new school clothes the kids had received, there was a massive amount of lint built up in the lint trap.
I am a stickler about cleaning out the lint trap after every load, not only to help the dryer run more efficiently but also because I have heard about the dangers of dryer fires in homes.
"Vent systems in particular need to be cleaned at least annually, and should be inspected regularly".
Dryer Lint Is Extremely Flammable
Our kids have been watching lots of survival videos lately, and one thing they have learned is that keeping dryer lint dry in a plastic bag can provide you with an emergency fire starter while camping or spending time in the woods.
Lint is extremely flammable and can help start a fire, even in wet conditions.
"Use it as a firestarter. As we mentioned, lint is highly flammable. You can save your dryer lint in toilet paper rolls, store them somewhere dry, and use them as handy fire starters for the fireplace in the fall or the campfire this summer".
That being said, its flammability is exactly why you want to make sure you regularly clean the lint from your dryer and lint trap. It is also important to check and maintain your dryer vent to help prevent dangerous lint buildup.
October Is Fire Prevention Month
October is almost here, and it is Fire Prevention Month. It is a great time to take a look around your home for potential fire hazards and other risks that could put your family in danger.
A little effort and paying attention to potential hazards can go a long way toward protecting your family.
While we may not be able to get the kids to put their laundry away or even put their dirty clothes in the laundry basket, we can take a few extra steps to help protect our homes and, more importantly, the people inside them.
