A fire in the garage can be a very scary thought. If you follow these five safety tips, however, you can help prevent garage fires from occurring.
1. Store Flammables Properly
You might store flammables like paint and chemicals in your garage. Make sure that you keep them away from any heat sources and that they are stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, which you should be able to find on the can or container.
2. Clean and Cool Off Lawn Equipment
When using your lawn mower or other equipment, make sure that you allow the equipment to cool down completely before storing in the garage. Also, make sure that you brush off any grass clippings or other debris.
3. Keep the Garage Clean
Keeping your garage neat and clean can help prevent fires from starting in the first place. Plus, if a fire does start, it will be less likely to spread quickly if your garage is not messy. It's not a good idea to keep stacks of paper or other items that can easily catch on fire in your garage. It is also smart to sweep up sawdust, leaves, and other debris to help prevent them from catching fire.
4. Avoid Using Your Grill in the Garage
When it's raining outside or when weather conditions are otherwise not optimal, it can be tempting to want to put your grill in the garage. However, it's never a good idea to use your grill indoors. Not only do you have to worry about the smoke and fumes in a contained area, but you also have to worry about the heat being dangerous and causing a fire. Instead, pull your grill out into the driveway for safety reasons.
5. Have Electrical Systems Checked Out
Electrical fires can be frighteningly common in the home and in the garage, so it is important to make sure that your electrical systems are all in good condition. Periodically having someone come out to check out your lighting and electrical outlets can be a smart move, and you will also need to have your garage door opener checked to ensure that it's in good working shape. By having these things checked out often, you can both help prevent electrical fires from being an issue and can also help ensure that everything works when you need it.
The thought of a fire in your garage can be terrifying. But if you follow these five tips, you can help reduce the risk of a garage fire and keep yourself and the others in your household safe. For more tips, contact a garage door company such as Durbin Garage Doors LLC.