LELAND, NC (WWAY)– As we start a new year, Leland Fire/Rescue is encouraging you to add a new item to your checklist of things to do.
Leland Fire Chief Ronnie Hayes says dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year, but twice a year is even better.
Every year, at least 3 thousand fires in the US are related to dryers.
Hayes says you should contact professionals to get the job done, and prevent your home from joining that list.
“We’re not talking about cleaning the vent out in the front where you can easily get to it, we’re talking about cleaning the pipe that goes outside your house,” said Hayes. “That’s the one that’s really important. Because if it builds up and backs up that up inside the tub, and if we get enough heat inside the tub that could actually catch your clothes on fire inside the tub.”
Chief Hayes says you should never leave home while your dryer is running.