Dryer Vent Wizard Helps Raise Awareness About Fire Prevention During National Fire Prevention Month

DETROIT, MI--(Marketwired - Sep 15, 2014) - During National Fire Prevention month in October, Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW) will help raise awareness among customers and local communities about fire safety measures. The company specializes in dryer vent repair, replacement, cleaning and maintenance of dryers for residential and commercial clients.

It is estimated that poorly maintained or clogged dryer vents are the leading cause of appliance fires, resulting in more than 15,500 dryer fires every year in the U.S. alone. These are only the reported cases.

"This year, we are participating in several ways to help the public understand the importance of fire safety," said Terry Reuer, DVW CEO.

As a new initiative, DVW is asking franchisees to nominate local fire departments that conduct outstanding fire prevention education programs in their communities to receive grants of 500 dollars each. DVW will award two grants in the U.S. and one in Canada.

For the third consecutive year, DVW will hold a fundraising drive to benefit the Children's Burn Foundation (CBF), a non-profit that provides educational, medical and psychological care for children burned in fires. Last year, DVW's corporate office and franchisees raised approximately $7,500 to benefit CBF programs. Donations can be made online at www.DryerVentWizardCares.com.

Throughout October, franchisees will also partner with local fire departments during Open House events throughout the U.S. and Canada to give safety tips and demonstrate dryer vent cleaning services. 

Warning signs of a potential dryer fire include excess lint build-up behind the dryer, longer drying time, overheat shut-off, a hot dryer and hot clothes, no lint on the lint screen, and lint around the door seal.

Lint build-up, along with improper vent installation, can reduce airflow which causes the dryer to work harder. Lack of cleaning and maintenance are major contributors to dryer fires. In addition, the use of plastic or foil vents, instead of the recommended rigid metal vents, increases the probability of fire spreading. 

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., Dryer Vent Wizard is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). DVW franchisees service more than 9,000 communities of all sizes throughout the U.S. and Canada and helps raise public awareness about the importance of dryer vent cleaning to prevent dryer fires and save energy. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.DryerVentWizard.com or call 866-498-SAFE (7233) in the U.S. and 866-395-SAFE (7233) in Canada.