To help further the efforts of dryer fire prevention and education during National Fire Prevention month in October, Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW) John Moffat participated in the Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association Scarecrow Contest. In addition to creating a Dryer Vent Wizard Scarecrow, Moffat displayed the proper set up of a dryer vent (rigid metal) as well as improper dryer vent materials (foil and vinyl), along with warning signs of dryer fires, which include:
- Clothes taking more than one cycle to dry a load, especially jeans and towels – this could mean a clogged dryer vent.
- No lint visible on the lint screen – indicating the lint is getting trapped somewhere else in the vent system.
- The top of the dryer is hot to the touch while running – indicating a clog in the dryer vent.
“Continuous education is important,” says Moffat. Proper dryer vent maintenance and code compliant materials are key to making sure your dryer operates as efficiently and safely as possible.
Although Moffat and his dog Toby (pictured above) would like to win the contest, he feels like he already won by helping to education his community on the importance of dryer vent maintenance.