To many homeowners, a garage houses their vehicle. However, it can also be a workshop for various projects such as painting and storage for equipment such as lawnmowers. Regardless of how you use your garage, keeping it in excellent condition is crucial to prevent accidents and theft. For instance, if the garage door floor is chipped, it can cause fall accidents. If you aren’t sure whether your garage requires safety enhancement, keep reading this article to find out the top cues.
1. Defective Garage Door
Did you know a falling garage door causes 17% of garage door injuries? You use the garage door several times daily, so it’s a guarantee that these springs will lose tension over time. If opening your garage door takes longer than usual, you should check the springs for possible wear and tear. Corrosion or wear indicates that it’s time for a replacement.
2. Worn Out Components
It’s normal for garage door parts, such as brackets, hinges, and tracks, to wear out after an extensive period. If this is your garage door condition, lubricate the components to prevent deterioration. Lubricate the springs even when they don’t show visible signs of damage. Contact a professional for repair or replacement if the problem persists.
3. Leaking Roof
You don’t have to stop there. If you notice a leaking roof or your garage roof is a bit old, ensure you arrange the necessary repairs. For instance, water can damage your garage paint, and moisture harbors molds which can bring respiratory diseases. You should hire a professional to inspect all roofs older than ten years.
4. Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring is one of the most prevalent causes of garage hazards in your home. Overloading electrical outlets, shorting, or damaged wires is a leading cause of garage fires. Older homes are more prone to such electrical faults. For this reason, if you live in an old house, you should call an electrician for a wiring diagnosis to help detect defects early and prevent electrical wiring accidents.
Did you know that according to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are over 6,600 garage home fires annually,? While such statistics are shocking, most people don’t take enough measures to secure the future of their loved ones. In fact, only 42% of Americans have a living trust or a will! It’s imperative that homeowners prepare a will in case of an unfortunate eventuality.
5. Wrongful Storage Of Flammable Liquids
Typically, many people store lawn care equipment, gas, paints, lighter fluid, and combustible liquids in the garage. Although a garage is a proper place to store hazardous solvents, improper storage is a recipe for fire risks from surface contact ignition, flammable vapors, or leaking flammable liquid.
To avoid such accidents, store your flammables in safe, color-coded, marked, and safely sealed containers. Also, avoid mixing these liquids and keep them away from direct heat sources such as heaters, equipment, and direct sunlight. Additionally, store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated space.
Every homeowner should protect their family from garage hazards. Ideally, you should ensure your garage door system and roof are in excellent condition and store your flammable solvents properly in a well-ventilated space and away from direct sunlight. If you live in an old home, ensure that an electrician checks your garage electrical wiring to prevent any electrical shorts that can cause a fire. A safe garage should have a pristine floor to prevent tripping and falling. Take action today to safeguard your family from garage accidents.
