Americans suffer nearly 21 million preventable household injuries each year, and many of them occur in the garage. That's because most of the 65 million U.S. garages are cluttered, disorganized and potentially unsafe!
Nearly all homeowners have at least one potentially dangerous item in the garage, including sharp tools and chemicals. Here are a few garage safety tips that illustrate how even simple steps can prevent an injury:
- Be sure the garage is well lit. Install the highest wattage light bulb that the overhead outlet safely allows.
- Keep children's playthings in one corner within their reach, to discourage kids from exploring potentially dangerous areas.
- Install slip-resistant flooring.
- Remove items from the floor and store them in cabinets or on shelves, hooks or brackets.
- Don't lean heavy or sharp objects against the walls, such as tires and gardening tools. These can easily fall on feet and small children.
- Store ladders horizontally to prevent tipping and children climbing on them.
- Make sure poisonous products, like automotive fluid, pesticides, paint thinner, turpentine and antifreeze, are stored on high shelves out of reach or in locked cabinets.
- Keep a sturdy step stool nearby to aid in reaching items stored up high.
- Mount a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the garage. Be sure every family member knows where they are and how to use them.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector rated for the garage.
- Install a smoke alarm in the garage.
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Source: Minnesota Safety Council