Avoid Garage Fires

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

You can avoid disasters like this in your home by following SERVPRO's fire prevention tips.

As wildfires rage on the west coast of the United States, the region of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville has faced many household fires of our own. Our franchise has seen two garage fires in the past two months and we feel it is important to remind homeowners that fire safety is essential for your entire property. Many people do not realize the potential hazards lurking in the garage that could ignite a fire. 

Garage Fire Hazards

For many homeowners, the garage is a extended storage space for cars, lawn care equipment, and appliances such as fridges and deep freezes. These household items seem harmless, but with the right combination these items could turn dangerous. Anyone that works on cars knows that when there is work being done on a vehicle, there are messes bound to happen with motor oil and other flammable liquids that are a fire hazard. For many people who take smoke breaks in the garage, cigarette ashes in an ash tray can turn dangerous if spilled or even if there are flammable items near by in dry conditions. 

Keep your Garage Safe

• Keep a fire extinguisher in the garage
• Install smoke alarm in garage
• Store dangerous products in safe places (example: store combustibles away from sources of heat, such as space heaters, furnaces and boilers.
• Store flammable products such as  spray paint and paint thinner in a dedicated storage space in garage. 
• Keep water nearby

If tragedy strikes your home, you can count on the professionals at SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville. Call (636) 856-9700