Practical Tips for Fire Safety in the Garage

The kitchen is often the culprit when it comes to home fires, as it is the most common place where fires start. But do you know that there is another place in the house that is more dangerous than the kitchen? The garage, where flammable liquids and combustible materials are stored, is also a perilous place where fire is concerned. Not only are fires more difficult to detect in this area than in other parts of the house, garage fires also spread more quickly and more violently. This is why, it is imperative for homeowners to think twice about their garage fire safety and to follow these practical tips to prevent a possible fire accident.

• Secure all flammable liquids.

Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and paints should be kept in sealed containers that are properly labeled. Secure them inside a locked cabinet, preferably one that is located out of children’s reach. Store them away from appliances, heat sources, lights, and so on.

• Install furnaces, radiators and heaters in proper places.

Do not install these pieces of equipment near walls or ceilings. Never place any combustible or flammable item near these devices. Clean ducts and filters regularly to keep them dust-free.

• Clear the clutter.

Clutter can serve as fuel that can feed a raging fire. Throw away oily rags that you do not anymore need or store them inside a metal container sealed with a tight fitting lid. Give newspapers to newspaper drives or bring them to recycling centers. Never leave synthetic fabrics, plastics, rubbers, foams, paper, or any other item lying around the garage area. Clear the area from clutter.

• Clean the garage.

Wash the floor and walls to get rid of oil spills and stains. Do this regularly to avoid build up of gas or oil spills on the walls and floors of your garage.

• Do not store propane cylinders inside your garage.

Propane is highly combustible and propane cylinders can cause a violent explosion. To avoid this risk, store cylinders outside your home, a good distance away from the house.

• Do not smoke.

If you are smart enough, you would know better than to light up a cigarette and smoke inside the garage. Do not even attempt to do it even just once and even if you promise to be careful. It is always better safe than sorry.

• Include the garage in the fire evacuation plan.

When creating a home fire escape plan, do not forget to include the garage, as it is possible for someone to be inside the garage during the outbreak or that the garage may be a possible route for escape.

• Install foam fire extinguisher.

AFFF fire extinguishers (aqueous film forming foam) are designed to put out Class A and Class B fires. Class A fires are those that involve solid organic materials like wood, paper and clothing while Class B fires originate from flammable liquids. They are therefore suitable to be installed in places like the garage where flammable liquids are kept.

The garage may not be the first area on your mind when it comes to fire safety since no one in the family really stays or hangs out there except for those occasional times when handiwork projects are done. Nevertheless, the garage is one of the most dangerous places for fire to occur so you need to oversee fire safety in this particular area of the house.

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