The risk to a home of a fire or flood is real, and the losses when either of these events occur can be devastating. Fortunately, these simple preventive measures from Secure Pacific can make a major difference in reducing your risk.

Extinguish Clothes Dryer Fire Risk

If not installed, used and maintained correctly, a family’s clothes dryer can become a fire risk. Clothes dryers account for approximately 12,000 fires in homes, 15 deaths and 300 injuries annually, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

The most common contributing factor to home dryer fires is a failure to keep the dryer, filter and venting system clean. During the drying process, lint is trapped by the dryer’s filter and carried through the venting system. Lint accumulates in the dryer and vent, and reduces airflow. This creates fire risk.

Tips from the USFA to help reduce your risk:

• Clean lint out of the exhaust pipe regularly. Clean inside, behind, and underneath the dryer, where lint can also build up.
• Inspect your lint filter for rips each time you use it and replace it if you see any rips.
• The exhaust pipe should be as short as possible and have limited bends to allow for adequate airflow.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher and smoke detector near the dryer.
• Never run your clothes dryer while you are out of the house or asleep.
• Have gas dryers inspected by a professional annually to ensure the gas line and connection are intact.
• Use UL-listed rigid aluminum or steel duct or spiral-wound aluminum flex hose, not white vinyl hose.
• Never put synthetic materials such as rubber, plastic, foam, or pieces of cloth that have been used to sponge up flammable liquids in the dryer, even if previously washed.

Most clothes dryer fires can be prevented by following your manufacturer's installation, use and maintenance guidelines.

Moisture monitoring, emergency shut off prevent water damage

Repairing water damage from renegade clothes washing machines and broken pipes comes with a hefty price tag for homeowners. Fortunately, Verisafe by Secure Pacific has a simple, cost effective solution.

Washing machines and dish washers are common sources of cracked hoses, leaks and other water-related catastrophes. Basements, water heaters and sump pumps have a high risk for leaks. Verisafe’s environmental sensors and emergency water shut off technology helps prevent or minimize water damage.

When sensors detect water, a signal is sent to a valve connected to your home’s water system and the valve shuts off the water. This feature becomes particularly valuable if you are on vacation or otherwise unable to get back home quickly.

Water damage prevention check list:

• Examine hoses and pipes to all appliances for water leaks; replace if cracked or worn. Repair all leaks, even minor ones.
• Check hoses for kinks/cracks; replace if brittle or old.
• Inspect water heater tank for rust. Look for signs of dampness around the tank.
• Check basement ceilings under bathrooms, kitchens or laundry areas for signs of mold, staining or other signs of uncontrolled moisture.
• Test your sump pump periodically to make sure it functions properly.

Call your Secure Pacific Home Security Consultant to learn options for moisture monitoring and emergency water shut off or for a detailed water damage prevention check list.