Basement fire dangers can be easy to spot and simple to prevent, once you get down to it.
- Dispose of or repair appliances that routinely blow fuses or trip circuit breakers.
- Clean your dryer filter after every load, and check around the drum and the back of the dryer for lint or misplaced laundry.
- Never dry things that have been in contact with flammable liquids because it can ignite in the dryer.
- Use a space heater only as intended – for extra warmth, not a main heat source.
- Make sure an extension cord’s capacity matches the appliance.
- If you keep a pet in a kennel, place it next to an exit.
- Have your heating system serviced once a year before cold weather begins.
- When buying a new unit, have a qualified technician install it or check that it was installed properly.
- Choose a heating device with an automatic shutoff feature.
- Make sure your clothes dryer is installed and serviced by a professional.
- Have a gas-powered dryer inspected by a professional at least once a year to check flexible gas lines for damage and proper connection, and to ensure all piping is free of leaks.
- Keep areas around heating sources clear of debris and insulated from the heating source.
- Be sure to clean the lint tray in your dryer before each use and check around the drum for any accumulated lint.
- Have a professional clean the inside of your dryer every one to three years.
- Do not store clothing or other combustibles any closer than one foot from the dryer.
- Do not let your dryer continue running when you leave your home.