Hazards in your garage
This often-overlooked home space can be full of hazards. Try these tips to make it safer for you and your family.
Carelessly storing chemicals
Garages are the place people tend to store the most dangerous chemicals in their homes – including flammable liquids like petrol and toxic ones like antifreeze. Make sure chemicals are stored far away from items that could create a spark, especially hot water heaters, lawnmowers, and grills. And don’t forget to place them far out of reach of kids.
Storing pest magnets
Garages make perfect homes for mice, rats and other pests – it’s sheltered, quiet, and in many homes, rarely used. And if you add in a few items that make for cosy nests or great sources of food, you’ll have a hard time evicting them. “First, you need to regularly clean the dark corners and crevices that make for cosy animal homes,” says Vanessa Thorn, a health and safety advisor at Lock Up Garages. “Sealing off any cracks or gaps in the garage structure will likely put off most animals from making an entrance. Avoid storing food if you can, or put open food bags in sealed boxes or containers to seal the smell inside.” If you’re storing fabric, like old sheets or rags in your garage, make sure they’re in well-sealed containers to avoid creating the perfect nest for some unwanted guests.