If you’re like most garage owners, you probably have a little too many things being stored in your garage currently. From last year’s Christmas decorations to boxes of old belongings, it’s common to toss some of our things into the garage for safe keeping.
However, even if you don’t spend a lot of time in your garage, it’s important that you keep it properly maintained just like you (hopefully) would with other rooms in your home.
Safety 101 for Garage Owners
If you happen to have any hazardous chemicals including flammable liquids, it’s generally a good idea to store these outside of the garage, like in a shed that is not attached to your home. If you don’t have a shed – don’t worry. There’s no need to shell out the big bucks for a brand-new shed. Building one yourself can be a great DIY project that’ll save you a considerable amount of money.
If you have a grill, keep it outside of your garage along with the propane tanks. A leaking propane tank in a home is a recipe for absolute disaster.
Those of you storing equipment like ladders and tools, be sure they’re properly secured. If these things were to fall, they could injure you or someone else.
Per the U.S. Fire Administration, the leading cause of garage fires is an electrical malfunction. Because of this, it’s important that you look at your current electrical situation in the garage. This is especially critical if you have an older home with uncertain wiring. In addition, make sure you’re using extension cords and power strips responsibly.
Lastly, be sure to install a heat alarm in your garage.
Due to a large number of items being stored in a garage, fires can quickly get out of control. To avoid this, keep your garage organized, clean, and safe.