Adding These Steps to Your Cleaning Routine Can Help Prevent Fires

The Westerville Fire Division (WFD) is reminding residents to inspect and clean bathroom exhaust fans and dryer vents to help reduce fire risks this winter.

BATHROOM FANS

After it’s switched on, it’s easy to forget an exhaust fan is running as it produces a white noise effect. WFD Chief Brian Miller says that’s when homeowners can run into trouble.

“Bathroom exhaust fans operate with a motor that can overheat when running continuously for a long period of time,” said Chief Miller. “When that heat comes into contact with an abundance of lint that has built up over time, we have dangerous conditions that can result in a fire.”

Chief Miller recommends residents regularly wipe down bathroom exhaust fans to remove lint and wash the covers regularly (allowing them to dry fully before reassembling). Canned air can also effectively remove visible buildup. He also recommends connecting with a licensed electrician to ensure bathroom fan ducts are properly cleaned on a regular basis. Installing a timer can help ensure fans aren’t left to run for hours on end as well.

DRYER VENTS

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found that about 2,900 home fires each year start with clothing dryers resulting in $35 million in property loss. The top cause of these dangerous fires is the failure to clean.

“Most lint produced during the drying process should be caught by the filter. However, some of it is carried through the venting system. This highly combustible material, mixed with moisture from the air, builds up over time. That’s when we see reduced airflow, which traps heat, and we know that when lint and heat come into contact it’s a hazardous situation,” Chief Miller said.

To help prevent this dangerous build-up, Chief Miller encourages residents to clean the dryer filter before and after each use. Adding sweeping behind the washer and dryer to your to-do list will also remove a potential fire risk. FEMA officials recommend cleaning lint from vent pipes every three months.

Prevention is key when it comes to fire safety. Visit www.westerville.org/fire for more information.