Dryer Vent Wizard Kicks Off National Fire Prevention Month With Fundraiser to Raise Awareness of Fire Safety

DETROIT, MI--(Marketwired - Oct 5, 2015) - During October, Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW) is kicking off its annual drive to help raise public awareness about fire safety measures during National Fire Prevention Month. 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.

"We are participating in several important ways to help the public understand the importance of fire safety and to raise money for burn victims," said Terry Reuer, DVW CEO.

For the fourth 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 more than $14,000 to benefit CBF programs. Donations can be made online at www.DryerVentWizardCares.com.

DVW has also invited its franchisees to nominate local fire departments to receive grants for outstanding fire prevention education programs in their communities. DVW will award two grants in the U.S. and two in Canada.

Throughout October, franchisees also partners 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. 

Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Dryer Vent Wizard is a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). DVW's 70 franchisees serve more than 9,000 communities of all sizes throughout U.S. and Canada. For more information and to learn more about franchise opportunities, visit www.DryerVentWizard.com or call 866-498-SAFE (7233) in the U.S. and 866-395-SAFE (7233) in Canada.