Make Your Garage a Fire Safety Zone
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the 6,600 garage fires that occur, on average, annually in the U.S. tend to spread farther and cause more injuries and damage ($457 million) than home fires located elsewhere. When it comes to fire prevention, maintaining a safe space hinges on being smart about garage storage and maintenance.
Put Safety Precautions in Place to Avoid Home Fires
First things first: Outfit the garage with a smoke detector, heat alarm and fire extinguisher (or two) that’s easy to access in an emergency.
Avoid Hazardous Storage
Store oil, gas, paint, chemicals and other flammable products in a shed away from your home. Keep items at risk for burning (papers, wood, etc.) on shelves placed well away from appliances.
Follow the Three-Foot Rule for Fire Prevention
If the garage houses your water heater or boiler, keep all items at least three feet away.
Charge Smart for Fire Safety
Plug only one charging appliance into a garage outlet at a time. Avoid using an extension cord for charging. Also ensure electric and plug-in hybrid cars can plug into properly outfitted outlets.
Watch for Leaks and Hazardous Chemicals
If you routinely park your car, motorcycle or other vehicle in the garage, regularly maintain it and watch out for leaks, which can be hazardous.
Upgrade Older and Outdated Doors
If the garage door has a lot of miles on it, consider replacing it with a new one made with heat-and fire-resistant materials.
For more information about fire protection and free fire-safety resources, visit usfa.fema.gov.
