Clothes dryers are a convenience suited in many households and resident buildings. Unfortunately, clothes dryers can also be a fire hazard if they are not installed and handled properly. Due to their indispensability for many people and ubiquity, it is important to be aware of potential hazards in order to remain safe in your home or apartment.

Clothes dryers can become a hazard due to the way they work and their related components. Dryers force hot air into a drum containing wet clothes. Lint is created when clothes begin drying. Just about all of the lint is caught in the lint trap, yet some travels through the venting system along with moisture reducing airflow and creating a potential hazard. In addition, the nests of small animals or bends in the vents can block ventilation causing overheating.

Combustible items such as clothing, boxes, and other things should not be placed atop or around the clothes dryer while it is in use. Furthermore, synthetic materials may catch fire more easily than natural materials, causing the potential to light faster and at lower temperatures. Any plastic, rubber, or foam material should not be placed in the dryer.

Electricity is everywhere in a residential and business building. Apartment owners need it for appliances and daily living rituals, and businesses are dependent on it for company operations and addressing clients' needs. Electrical fires are a reality. They can cause injuries, destruction of equipment and belongings, or worse.

Many needs such as hairdryers, portable heaters, printers, etc. use electricity. Some use more power than other equipment, yet all can be equally hazardous. Avoid excessive usage or overheating of appliances and unplug them after usage. Unplugging some products such as a business' printer may not be a timely solution during the business day, yet the printer can be unplugged at the close of the day.

Many people are concerned about the state of the earth and how they can help the "green" efforts. There are many things a single person can do to contribute, but to start one does not have to go too far. Any person from teachers to master electricians can provide insight regarding the green effort. This article addresses energy consumption tips a person can apply within their homes.