How Can I Childproof My Garage?

The safety and well-being of children are likely to be the primary concerns of any parent or guardian. Whether you already have a child or may be a parent soon, taking the time to childproof your home can be important. However, one area that many parents may overlook is the garage. Items that are often stored in a garage, such as tools, machinery, cars, chemicals, and appliances can be very dangerous. If you are considering a garage renovation project, you should talk to an experienced garage professional to ensure that any safety concerns are addressed.

Assessing Your Garage

What may seem safe to an adult can pose an inherent risk to a young child. It is important to look through your garage and take note of any safety issues that may be prevalent or issues that might be outside the norm. When trying to determine what could be dangerous, these questions may help narrow things down:

• Can my child reach this?
• Can this be opened by a child?
• Can my child get inside the garage without me?
• Are my garage entry points in good condition?
• Is it okay to keep trash in my garage?

Taking Steps to Childproof Your Garage

Many potential dangers that exist within a garage can be corrected by some rather simple renovations. For example, to keep chemicals and tools out of the reach of children, installing high shelves or cabinets with locks could significantly decrease a child’s ability to access them. Furthermore, the addition of a separate room with a locking door could prohibit a child from accessing items such as rakes, shovels, lawnmowers, and weed whackers.

Structural Concerns

Trash may seem like an unimportant topic of concern in regard to a child’s safety; however, pests and wildlife could be attracted to garbage in your garage. If the garage has a broken window, a loose entry door, or any other exterior damage that can provide an entryway, animals can burrow into a garage, and they may bite or attack someone if they are cornered.

The possibility of a fire must also be considered when addressing any safety issues. Electrical surges, flammable liquids, and other incendiary items can lead to a fire starting and spreading rather quickly. It can be beneficial to install smoke detectors, purchase a fire extinguisher, and regularly check the functionality of your garage door and other hardware. A malfunctioning device can create sparks and friction, and resulting fires could spread to flammable objects such as a car.

Contact Our DuPage County Garage Renovation Experts

Maintaining a structurally sound garage is one of the most important ways to keep your property safe for children. Furthermore, the addition of strategically placed cabinets and inaccessible storage rooms could limit children from getting their hands on unsafe items. To speak to one of our experienced Downers Grove custom garage professionals about your options, please call our office at 630-852-8485 for a free estimate.