Steps for Preventing Garage Fires
Garage fires are something that you may not want to think about as a homeowner, but it's unfortunate that your garage is a major source of fire hazards. Here are some things that you can do to keep yourself safe from garage fires.
Watch What You Store in Your Garage
It matters greatly what you store in your garage and how. It's common to have tools that involve gasoline, such as lawn mowers. Make sure that these are not stored near any heat source. The same goes for flammable chemicals. In fact, if you need to store chemicals in your garage, it is a good idea to buy a metal storage cabinet that protects them from heat changes. A metal cabinet can also keep chemicals from spilling on your garage's floor, and if a fire emerges, the cabinet may help to contain the spread of the flames.
Have the Right Fire-Protection Equipment
A smoke detector, for one, will let you know when a fire has emerged. If your garage is closed off from the rest of your home, you might not realize right away when there is a fire. You may also want to keep fire extinguishers on hand to tame a fire before the fire department arrives. Some families go as far as installing fire sprinklers in the garage; this is an excellent step because it provides fire control whether or not you are around when the fire starts.
Check on the Garage's Electrical Components
A regular garage-door repair and inspection is key to preventing garage fires. The electrical components of your garage are the perfect spark for a fire if they aren't working correctly. You might be able to spot the signs of electrical malfunction on your own. For example, check on the temperature of your motor and other electrical components. If the components are running hot from regular use, there may be an electrical issue.
Another sign of electrical failure is that your garage door is behaving erratically. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, or it goes up and down without your request. If any of these signs apply to your garage door, get an inspector right away. You might need to replace the control box or motor if this is the case. Even if you don't see any electrical issues, a garage-door inspection on a regular basis (every few years) is an important part of home maintenance.
