13 garage mistakes that could put you in danger

It can be tempting to leave the garage doors unlocked to avoid having to carry one more key, but not securing your garage increases the likelihood you’ll be burgled. Leaving entry to an attached garage allows the burglar a safe, hidden place to try to pick the lock of your interior door. And whether it’s an attached or detached garage, you open yourself to theft of bikes and other equipment – and you may provide the tools, like ladders, clippers and screwdrivers, that a burglar can use to gain entrance to your home.

That gas tank that powers your summer barbecues can become explosive relatively easily. Even a small leak can ignite with a spark from the grill or the mower. It’s best to store it in a sheltered area away from your house, such as a garden shed.

Garages are the place to stash those “just-in-case” items, things that are ready for the garbage, and things that you only need once or twice a year. This can quickly pile up to create a messy – and hazardous – situation. Too much stuff in your garage can lead to all kinds of disasters – fire danger, tripping and falling hazards and pest control issues. Take an hour or two regularly to go through what’s in your garage, and weed out the things you no longer need.

Here are 5 great ideas for organising the garage.

Even with the garage doors open, running the car in your garage can lead to deadly carbon monoxide build-up – which can permeate your house quickly if your garage is attached. Move the car out of the garage as quickly as possible – and make sure that you have carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home (including your garage).

Sign up here to get Handyman’s favourite stories straight to your inbox!

Source: RD.com