Tips for a Safe Garage

© By Deborah S. Tukua
www.hollycreekbooks.com

Spring-cleaning and yard sales offer a great opportunity to organize your garage, making it a safe place for the whole family. Here are a few ideas:

· If there are inside stairs or steps leading to the garage from the house, paint the treads a light color and use reflective strips of tape on each tread, in case children forget to turn on the light. Install a handrail or banisters on stairways.
· Storage shelving units should be bolted to the wall to avoid toppling over.
· Heavier objects should be stored close to ground level.
· Store rakes, shovels and sharp garden tools on wall mounts when not in use.
· Provide a separate, designated area in the garage for storage of children’s toys.
· Provide a plastic storage bin with lid to keep balls and skates off the garage floor when not in use. Mount skis and skateboards on the wall or store in a locker.
· Keep paint thinner, pesticides, turpentine and automotive oil and fluids stored in a locked cabinet or on a shelf above the children’s reach.
· Install a smoke alarm and fire extinguisher in the garage.
· Do not house a lawn mower or gasoline containers in a garage that has an appliance with a pilot light.
· Store ladders above children’s reach.
. Always open the garage door, examine the driveway and walk completely around the car before getting inside and driving off.

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