A lot of time is being spent at home at the moment, so you may be finding yourself with a bit more time to tackle some of those jobs around the house that you’ve been meaning to get around to, like cleaning out your garage, for example. Clearing out your garage might also help you see any potential fire risks. Why do we say that?
The garage is often the area where we store items we do not want inside the home such as gas canisters, cleaning supplies, used paint cans and decorating materials and outdoor machines and equipment, etc. All these items can be highly flammable so it's clear there is a greater risk of fire in a space like this. Here are a few steps you can take that will minimize this risk.
Make sure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in the garage and test them every month to check if their batteries need replacing.
If you are doing work in the garage like fixing machinery or working on your car, always leave the garage door open to prevent a build-up of toxic fumes. Clean up any oil or other combustible liquids immediately if they spill and do not leave garbage or oily rags on the garage floor for any length of time as this will increase the fire risk. It’s also extremely important to never leave a vehicle running with the garage door closed as dangerous fumes will accumulate very quickly.
If your garage is attached to the home, there is an even greater need to assess its potential for fire.
Have a close check of the door and door frame that connects the house to the garage. Look for any gaps or cracks which would allow hazardous fumes to enter the home.
If you have any questions or concerns about your garage’s safety, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.
The garage is often the area where we store items we do not want inside the home such as gas canisters, cleaning supplies, used paint cans and decorating materials and outdoor machines and equipment, etc. All these items can be highly flammable so it's clear there is a greater risk of fire in a space like this. Here are a few steps you can take that will minimize this risk.
Make sure that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in the garage and test them every month to check if their batteries need replacing.
If you are doing work in the garage like fixing machinery or working on your car, always leave the garage door open to prevent a build-up of toxic fumes. Clean up any oil or other combustible liquids immediately if they spill and do not leave garbage or oily rags on the garage floor for any length of time as this will increase the fire risk. It’s also extremely important to never leave a vehicle running with the garage door closed as dangerous fumes will accumulate very quickly.
If your garage is attached to the home, there is an even greater need to assess its potential for fire.
Have a close check of the door and door frame that connects the house to the garage. Look for any gaps or cracks which would allow hazardous fumes to enter the home.
If you have any questions or concerns about your garage’s safety, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to advise you.