Cleveland, OH -- October is Fire Prevention month across the United States; Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes is supporting the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in fire prevention awareness efforts by launching “Don’t Let Your Dryer Start a Fire, Keep Your Home Safe and Sound,” campaign. “We find most consumers think it’s normal for their dryer to take more than one cycle to dry a load of clothing; they are not aware that this is a warning sign of potential fire hazard,” says Gary Collins, DVW franchise owner who is part of a nationwide chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alteration specialists in the U.S. During this month, consumers are urged to become aware by visiting http://www.dryerventwizard.com for fire prevention tips and a list of warning signs to look for. “Clothes dryers are more likely to be a fire hazard than a furnace or stove,” says Gary. “Dryer vent cleaning and proper maintenance is the key to prevention and saving on energy costs,” Gary explained in a recent interview. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryer fires account for an average of 15,000 fires with an approximate $88 Million in property damage, 15 deaths and 400 injuries annually. “Failure to clean” was citied as the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings. In joining efforts with the NFPA for Fire Prevention month, Dryer Vent Wizard is providing the following advice to consumers to minimize the risk of dryer fires: • Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to meet current UL safety standards • Replace any plastic, vinyl or foil vent with semi-rigid or solid metal venting • Check lint screens before and clean them after each load of laundry • Wash lint screens with soap and water every few months to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners • Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually • Don’t keep combustibles like chemical cleaning products or chemical laden rags near dryers. Gary also advises consumers of the following warning signs to watch for: • Dryer taking more than one cycle to get clothes dry • No visible lint on the screen • Dryer repeatedly stops during cycle • Clothes have a moldy smell or are hot after drying Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes Safe Homes is the largest chain of dryer vent cleaning, repair, replacement and alteration specialists in the U.S. with nearly 50 franchisees in major markets in the U.S. “I make sure each of my customers understands the importance of proper dryer vent maintenance before I leave their home,” said Gary. Gary Collins services the Greater Cleveland Ohio area, including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Elyria, Lorain, Warren, Youngstown, Cuyahoga County, Lorain County, Summit County, Medina County, Geauga County, Portage County, Lake County and neighboring cities and communities. Contact: Gary Collins Dryer Vent Wizard of Greater Cleveland Phone: 440-360-0631 Email: gcollins@dryerventwizard.com Website: http://www.dryerventwizard.com This press release was submitted by Right Now Marketing Group, LLC