LOCAL NEWS — Did you know that almost 3,000 house fires area caused each year by home clothes dryers? Those fires result in an estimated five deaths, hundreds of injuries and millions in property damages, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Failure to regularly clean dryer duct work and filters is the leading cause of those fires.

Metro Moore County Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Neal reminds locals to check and clean your clothes dryer duct work and filters as the seasons change. Statistically, more clothes dryer fires happen in the fall and winter months, peaking in January, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

To avoid fires, resident should clean lint filters after every use and clean the dryer vent duct work at least once a year.

“If you use dryer sheets, a film will form and cause your element to run hot. That uses more electricity and creates a fire hazard,” he said.

Chief Neal suggest removing the filter completely and running a small amount of water on it. If it puddles, then that means it’s blocked. Blocked screens can be cleaned by gently scrubbing with soap and water.

“It takes just a few minutes but can really pay off in the future,” Chief Neal says. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}