Have you checked your garage for fire hazards lately? It is good to do this from time to time, as the garage tends to be the place we store the most combustible items. Gas canisters, cleaning supplies, outdoor equipment, old paint cans, etc. could become a fire risk if they are not stored properly. What other fire hazards might you find in a garage? And what are some ways to reduce fire risk?
Make sure you have fully functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your garage. Test them every month and check that they do not need new batteries.
Adequate ventilation is vital when working in your garage. You do not want dangerous fumes to accumulate in a confined space, so always keep the garage door open when working on your car or fixing machinery and gardening equipment. You should never start your vehicle before opening the garage door either, as you could quickly become overwhelmed by toxic fumes.
Any oil spills or other flammable liquids should be cleaned up immediately. Do not leave oily rags or garbage bags lying around on the garage floor for a long time as this will increase the risk of fire.
Be extra careful if your garage is connected to the house. Check the door and door frame that links the house to the garage and make sure there are no gaps or cracks that would allow toxic fumes to enter the home.
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