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Is Your Garage the Most Dangerous Room in Your Home? |
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Do you have opened containers full of caustic or toxic substances sitting on your garage floor right now? Are cabinet doors broken and standing open, allowing children to easily access sharp and dangerous tools? How about nails and screws? Could a toddler find them laying out in the open on workbenches or on the floor, just asking to be picked and up and placed in his or her mouth? Finally, are canisters of antifreeze sitting on the floor where pets could find them?
Unbelievably, antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts dogs and cats. Every year hundreds of pets are killed by consuming antifreeze that has been carelessly left out in the open because a garage owner has no place to store it.
If you answered yes to only one of these questions, you should really start thinking about converting your garage from a potentially fatal accident waiting to happen to a safe haven for all family members, including pets. The floor is the first place you should start.
Disorganized garages always have floors covered with stuff – old tires, electrical cords, garden tools and vehicle parts. Tripping over these items can break bones and fracture skulls, especially if a child is running through the garage. Floors stained with oil and grease can do the same thing. Eliminate the possibility of taking a family member to the emergency room because of these hazards by investing in wall shelves, heavy-duty cabinets and overhead storage systems. By having clean and empty areas in which to place items, you would be amazed how quickly floors are de-cluttered and the danger of tripping and falling is removed.
Once floors are clear of debris, you can further enhance the safety of your garage by laying epoxy coating containing a gritty substance that effectively reduces the chance for slipping and falling.
Cluttered walls are a danger as well. Ladders left leaning against walls instead of hung securely on sturdy wall hooks can fall over on small children who inadvertently jar walls and cause ladders as well as heavy shovels, garden tools and bicycles to crash on them. To prevent this type of accident, invest in enough wall hooks specifically meant to hold large, weight items and install them properly onto adjustable garage wall slats.
Other quick tips enhancing the safety of your garage include:
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Mobile or stationary cabinets should be equipped with flip locks, deadbolts or electronic locks high enough to remain out of reach of curious fingers. |
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Install door alarms that sound when someone enters the garage |
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Place covers over electrical outlets in the garage |
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Flammable materials should either be disposed of or locked in metal cabinets |
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Always leave toxic chemicals in original containers |
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Improve safety by installing sufficient lighting in the garage, especially in work areas or children's play areas |
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Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher immediately accessible in your garage. Hang them near the entrance on secure hooks or on shelving. |
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Ventilation is important in a garage, especially if using chemicals emitting strong fumes. Install ceiling fans and vents to keep enough fresh air circulating throughout the garage |
The time and money you spend improving the safety of your garage will give you peace of mind and prevent unfortunate accidents from unnecessarily occurring in the future. |
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