Tumble dryer advice following spate of fires
Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take extra care when using tumble dryers following a spate of recent fires involving the appliances across the UK.
Richard Webb, the council's Trading Standards and Community Safety Manager, said: "I would like to encourage people to regularly clean and remove the fluff from the filter, and to run their tumble dryer in the day when they are at home to keep an eye on it.
“I would also like to urge people to register their alliances at www.registermyappliance.org.uk. Registering your appliances ensures you receive important safety messages about those items.
“If you are concerned that your dryer could be affected by a recall visit the product recalls page on www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk or check with your manufacturer.”
Other top tips:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and any additional advice they may have issued recently.
- Watch for warning signs such as unusual smells during use, items taking longer to dry than normal, and the external vent flap opening when the dryer is on.
- Make sure the machine is regularly cleaned and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain the machine and ensure excess fluff or lint doesn't build up over time and catch fire.
- Make sure the vent is always uncovered.
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan.
Notes to editors:
- This advice is part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service’s 365alive initiative.
- For more information about the initiative, please visit www.365alive.co.uk