How To Prevent A Fire In Your Garage

Having a garage, whether it is attached or detached, is a great amenity for any home. There are a variety of purposes that you can use a garage for, including storing vehicles, using it as a workout gym, or even as a business office. Regardless of your garage's purpose, though, you want to make sure you take precautionary steps to ensure it doesn't catch fire. Let's take a quick look at a few tips for keeping your garage fire-free. 

For starters, you will want to store gasoline and oil in proper containers and keep them in a shed that is not attached to your home. Sure, you may find it more convenient to keep them in your garage, but they should be kept as far away from your home as possible. You will also want to make sure that each electrical outlet in the garage has only one appliance or tool plugged into it. And when charging tools or appliances, don't use an extension cord as they are more apt to catch on fire. 

If you are keeping flammable items in your garage, make sure they are stored on a shelf that is far away from appliances. And when installing a door to the garage that connects to your home, install one that has a 20-minute fire rating. This door should also be self-closing as well as self-latching. Most importantly, make sure there are at least two heat alarms installed in the garage. Remember, a heat alarm is different than a smoke alarm. A smoke alarm only goes off if it detects smoke. A heat alarm, however, will sound when the temperature gets too high, thus giving you time to assess the situation and possibly prevent a fire from happening. When you purchase a heat alarm, make sure it is hard-wired and has a battery backup. You will also want to buy one that can be interconnected with your home's smoke alarms.

Looking for a garage door contractor? Contact the team at Town & Country Door today.