Garage Door Repair Canyon Country, CA ― Each year, residential fires are responsible for more than 400 injuries, 30 deaths, and over $457 million in property loss in the US. Majority of these fires are caused in the home’s garage. Shocking, isn’t it? Did you know that the majority of garage fires are COMPLETELY preventable? Here are some suggestions from the US Fire Administration to prevent a fire in your home’s garage.
Combustibility
- Do not store propane tanks, gas cans, or any highly flammable products in the garage. Store them in your shed instead. When there is a fire, these fluids become highly explosive. This escalates the severity of the situation, causes more damage to the property, and will lead to injury.
- Keep all flammable products away from major appliances in your garage (refrigerator, washing machine, etc.)
- Avoid plugging multiple appliances in each outlet. Do not use extension cords to plug in electrical appliances (this includes, but is not limited to, your garage door opener).
- For small electric tools with 3-wire cords and a ground wire, use extension cords with 3-prong plugs only.
Building a Garage
- Make sure that the door from the garage to the house has a fire rating of at least 20 minutes.
- If you haven’t finished your attached garage yet, install gypsum board on the walls and the ceiling.
- If there is an attic over the garage, be sure to install an attic hatch cover. Keep this hatch closed at all times.
- Install a smoke detector about 8 feet above the floor and somewhere near the house’s access door.
Following these useful tips will help you avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Fires that start in your garage are usually caused by an electrical malfunction. For example: faulty electrical wires, improper use of electrical connections, and most commonly, overloaded electrical outlets. Avoid these common practices for maximim safety.