3 Tips For Preventing Garage Fires

Every year there are about 6,600 garage fires at homes in the United States, resulting in an average of 30 deaths, 400 injuries, and more than $457 million in property loss. Of these fires 93% occurred in one- and two-family homes.

Here are some safety tips to avoid these destructive fires and limit their impact if they do occur.

Electricity

The leading cause of garage fires is electrical malfunction, which can be due to shorts in wires, damaged wires, and overloading electrical outlets. Plug only one charging appliance into an outlet. Do not use an extension cord when charging an appliance.

Flammable material

Store oils, gasoline, paints, propane, and varnishes in a shed away from the home or in a fire-rated cabinet.

Fireproofing

Make sure that the door between the house and garage is a 20-minute fire-rated door with a self-closing device and self latching. Make sure the garage walls are covered with 5/8-inch type K gypsum fire board and have a heat alarm installed in the garage, not a smoke detector. The heat detector will react faster to temperature changes. The heat detector needs to be rated for between 175 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Have the unit installed by a qualified electrician and never install heat detectors above or near fluorescent lights.

Via Ridgefield Press