Five garage safety tips

September 2024

(photo courtesy Unsplash)

story courtesy of Family Features

When you throw open the windows in your house this fall, you’ll likely spend more time with the garage doors open too. Nice fall weather is an excellent reminder to ensure your garage equipment and features are secure and functioning correctly before you spend time working with them. Make access to your outdoor equipment safer with these tips to get your garage ready for the fall season:

1. Your garage floor tends to capture grime and grit from the outdoors, especially where your car sits. Take time to sweep and mop thoroughly, but also take stock of the floor’s condition for any chips or other damage that may worsen over time and pose a risk for tripping or other safety issues.
2. Check your garage door performance. Ensure doors are rolling smoothly with no hitches. If you notice any abnormalities, fall is an excellent time to investigate. Sometimes, a little grease, graphite or a minor adjustment is all you need to get things back on track.
3. Don’t forget to check your garage door sensors. Cooler weather means pets and children are more likely to find themselves in an automated door’s path when it begins to lower. Ensure sensors are operating properly to prevent injury or property damage.
4. Verify that all outlets, lights and other electrical features are in proper operating condition and that all wires are intact and free of damage or fraying.
5. Ensure any poisonous materials, such as paint, garden pesticides, cleaners and automotive fluids, are safely stored out of reach of pets and children that may have increased access to the garage during fall months. Also check for spills or leaks of any potentially hazardous or flammable materials.