Only you can prevent dryer fires

Many consumers clean the lint trap on their clothes dryers with each load, but fail to check other parts of the appliance for lint buildup. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission says dryers start more household fires than any other electrical appliance. These tips may help:

*Check for clogged vent hoses by pulling the dryer away from the wall. Look for outdoor blockage from such things as bird or animal nests.

*Vent hoses should be made of aluminum, which is less flammable than plastic.

*Remove screens placed over the exhaust point.

*Check at least once a year.