Laundry room safety.

Good Neighbor Tips from Erin Doan, State Farm Insurance, Scottville,www.erindoan.com.

Are you aware of the risks lurking in your laundry room? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires are reported each year. And in 2013, more than 10,000 children were exposed to dangerous detergent, reports the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

Clean, check and store to maintain a safe laundry room.

What to Clean

Spills – Wipe them up as soon as they happen. Soapy detergent can cause falls, and clear bleach could be mistaken for water.

Lint Traps – Empty it after every load, and clean it with a nylon brush every six months.

Dryer Ducts and Vents – Hire professionals to clean your ducts and vent if you notice a decrease in dryer performance. If­­ you have pets or a large family, this could be necessary as often as twice a year.

What To Check

Dryer Ducts – Plastic dryer ducts are a fire hazard. Replace them with straight or flexible metal ducts.

Dryer Manual – This should tell you the space a dryer needs for proper airflow. Keep your dryer cool by keeping the area around it clutter free.

Dryer Vent – Check the vent’s exterior output for blockages, such as leaves or bird nests.

Washing Machine Base – Make sure to place the machine in a pan connected to a drain to collect leaks before they cause major damage. This is especially important if your washer is located on an upper floor in your home.

Hoses – Replace washing machine supply lines every 3 to 5 years as part of a proactive maintenance plan.

What to Store

Detergents – Store detergents, bleach and fabric softeners out of reach of children and pets. Also talk to your kids about what’s safe to touch and what’s not.

Fire Extinguisher – Thousands of fires start in laundry rooms each year; therefore, it’s smart to keep an extinguisher close.

Important Numbers – Keep your local poison center’s number posted in the laundry room in case of an emergency.

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