Garage Safety Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore

These garage safety tips cover power tool storage, shelf anchors, carbon monoxide, garage fire prevention, and how to keep pests out of your garage.

Garage Safety Tip # 1: Store Tools Safely

Power tools should always be unplugged after usage, with any charging cords and/or extension cords tightly coiled. This can help prevent people from accidentally knocking power tools off their shelves or tripping over cords. You should also make sure to place all sharp tools on the back of the shelf with the sharp edge facing toward the wall. Ideally, all sharp edges should remain covered when not in use.

Garage Safety Tip #2: Use Well-Anchored Storage Systems

If you have storage shelves in your garage, it’s important to make sure that they’re properly anchored to the wall, especially if you have kids. This will prevent shelves from falling over onto them. The same goes for wall-mounted racks and overhead storage. Never store more weight than a specific unit can hold.

Garage Safety Tip #3: Limit & Monitor Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Do not keep your car or lawn mower running in your garage, even if the door is open. Never use a charcoal grill inside your garage—or any other type of grill for that matter. You should also consider installing a carbon monoxide detector that’s specifically designed to be used in garages so you’ll always know if your levels are dangerous.

Garage Safety Tip # 4: Consider Alternate Storage for Flammable Items & Items that Attract Pests

Knowing what not to store in your garage is an incredibly important part of garage safety.

What Not to Store in Your Garage

Whether you’re wondering how to protect your home from fires or how to keep pests out of your garage, understanding what not to store in your garage is a great first step.

Oil-Soaked Rags

Oily rags run the risk of spontaneous combustion, which can easily spread from your garage to the rest of the house.

Propane Tanks

When propane tanks leak in a contained area, any small spark can easily ignite and start a fire.

Canned Food

If canned foods aren’t stored between 50 and 70 degrees, they can easily spoil. Humidity can also cause cans to rust, which leads to a dangerous chemical reaction with the food inside.

Pet Food

Pet food is incredibly attractive to mice, rats, and other rodents. They can also easily chew through paper and cardboard packaging.

Firewood

Firewood is another magnet for pests, including insects, spiders, and rodents.

Sleeping Bags, Clothing & Other Fabrics

Not only are fluctuating temperatures and humidity bad for storing sleeping bags, clothing, and other fabric, but they are also incredibly attractive to moths, rodents, and other pests.

Staying protected isn’t just about garage safety tips, it’s also about making sure you have the right Homeowners insurance, Renters insurance, or Condo insurance

for your needs. Contact your independent insurance agent today to review your insurance policy and to make sure you’re fully protected. In the meantime, check out our blog where we cover everything from spring cleaning tips and tricks to why it may be time to revisit your home replacement cost.

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