Essential Tips for Avoiding Garage Fires

Do you know how frequent garage fires are? Below, we'll share the answer and give you instructions for making sure your dwelling is safe.

You like this look? This garage door is an Eastman E-21, 9' x 8', Moka Brown doors and Ice White overlays, 8 lite Panoramic windows.

You like this look? This garage door is an Eastman E-21, 9' x 8', Moka Brown doors with Ice White overlays, 8 lite Panoramic windows.

If you're pondering how to best protect your garage from a fire, there are many things to contemplate. First, however, it's a terrific question to ask. Thousands of garages catch fire every year and produce numerous injuries, millions of dollars in property loss, and even an occasional death.

Reading this will help you ensure your garage never experiences a fire. We'll share what initiates fires, what to do if a fire starts, and much more.

How Most Garage Fires Are Caused

Sure, you want to know how to prevent fires related to your garage. However, there's something else to consider first. You need to understand how garages tend to catch fire, but the answer may be more complicated than expected.

As we mentioned, a fire in a garage can be dangerous. Property damage and injuries are far from uncommon. In addition, if the garage is attached to the home, it can spread and be even more problematic. Being aware of these problems and cautious about the potential for fire is vital for anyone who owns a home.

Thankfully, the garage isn't the most ordinary place for a house fire to start. However, fires often get out of control when the garage is the source since people are less apt to notice the issue early. You have to know the causes so you can escape the problem.

Keep flames out of your garage for your safety. Image: Pixabay

Keep flames out of your garage for your safety. Image: Pixabay

Common Causes of Garage Fires

While fires can take place for many reasons, there are four commonplace sources for garage fires. First, we'll share what tends to instigate fires so you can take steps to avoid them.

Propane Tanks

It's not a good idea to keep propane tanks stored inside the garage when grilling season is over. If the tank isn't well-sealed or starts to leak, this can create a catastrophe. Even a tiny spark can ignite in the air and create an explosion.

Fire officials ask you not to store tanks in the garage for your safety. Instead, it's better to purchase fewer tanks or find a different space for storage. This will prevent any chance of an explosion that could destroy the garage and even your home.

Flammable Liquids

Many people keep cleaning solutions, oil, and gas in the garage, but it's not a good idea. They can also ignite with a spark of a flame. Even the vapors from these substances can cause a fire. So it's a good idea to move them from this space to avoid danger.

Instead, keep these in a safe spot like a shed. Any flammable liquid should be in a proper container with a label about its contents.

Clutter

Many people add all their junk to the garage, which can make it very cluttered. This is convenient, but it might not be very safe. The more clutter is present, the quicker a fire will take off.

A quick spot of decluttering can prevent this problem. Consider throwing things away, donating them, or giving them to someone who could use them. This will also make the garage easier to use for you and your family.

Electrical Issues

An electrical malfunction is another common cause of a garage fire. Faulty electrical circuits and old overloaded outlets can cause serious issues. Always be wary of cases like these.

Try not to use an extension cord for an extended period. Make sure the door opener is inserted into a typical wall socket. Those with older homes should have a professional visit to find any wiring issues.

How To Prevent Garage Fires

Preventing a fire is essential. But it's also crucial to know what to do if a fire occurs. A fire may spread much more quickly than you expect and garage fires can create serious injuries.

The first step you can take for fire prevention is adding a smoke alarm to the garage. There are also two additional ways to protect the garage and your home:

● Does your garage door opener include a heat alarm? If not, it's best to install one in the garage.

● Is there a fire extinguisher in the garage? Make sure you have one somewhere close that you can easily access.

You might wonder if you should ever light a fire in the garage. The short answer is that it should be avoided. If you have a flame, a fire can come shortly behind. One of the most important things to be aware of is that you should avoid using a fire pit in garages or other enclosed spaces.

If a fire happens, stay safe. If the flames can't be brought under control, move out of the area and contact emergency services.

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat CC, 9' x 7', Black, Clear windows.

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat CC, 9' x 7', Black, Clear windows.

4 Steps To Take as a Homeowner After a Fire

If a fire occurs and you need to take steps to handle it, you should do a few things. But before you start, take a few deep breaths and try to calm down before you start.

1. Get in Touch With Your Insurance Company

Assuming the home is insured, you need to let the company know a fire happened. You should check to find out what is covered to ensure you get an appropriate payment. All policies are different so knowing the facts will carry you forward.

In most cases, the home value before the fire is covered. However, if the home is lost, insurance companies sometimes settle by paying for the home's policy value and the items that were inside when the fire occurred.

Avoid fire trucks rushing to your location. Image by Pixabay.

Avoid fire trucks rushing to your location. Image: Pixabay.

2. Book an Inspection

Sometimes the insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect your home. However, this isn't always enough. They may make decisions that are better for the company than for you. Choosing your own professional can help you better gauge repair costs.

The inspection should include a look at the concrete or stucco, interior walls, plumbing, structure, siding, framing, heating systems, and roof.

3. Choose Between Rebuilding and Repairing

Once the inspection is done, consider whether to remove and rebuild your garage or do repairs. Depending on the insurance policy, choices could be limited. Be aware of what cleaning needs to be done and consider prices for water damage, soot removal, smoke damage restoration, and cleanup processes.

4. Search for the Top Expert in the Area

Once you've made decisions, be sure you research the options in terms of a contractor. You want someone who has lots of experience with handling insurance companies and doing the work you need.

The Best Way To Replace Your Garage Door

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Classic MIX, 9' x 7', Desert Sand.

You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Classic MIX, 9' x 7', Desert Sand.

Let's say you decide to go with a rebuilt. First, you'll need to know what garage door you'd like to install. Then, follow up by considering your budget, deciding the size of the door you want, and thinking about whether you want an attached or a detached option.

It's okay if you don't have all the answers. Research your options in terms of the size of the garage and what kind of garage door opener you prefer. You can get great technology like cameras and two-way audio. Consider what is helpful to you and find an opener that is a perfect match.

When keeping the garage as hot or cool as you want, two things should be considered in terms of a garage door:

● Can your garage door reflect light well? The more light it reflects, the cooler the interior will be when the sun is shining down during the summer months.

● Does the door have a construction made to stop the wind? Talk to the local garage door professional to find out. This will prevent the noise of wind from getting through the door.

Besides that, think about style, budget, and how the door looks on your house.

Is It Time to Have a New Garage Door Installed?

You like this look? This garage door is a Regal Shaker-Flat Long, 9' x 7', Black Ice, window layout: Left-side Harmony.

You like this look? This garage door is a Regal Shaker-Flat Long, 9' x 7', Black Ice, window layout: Left-side Harmony.

Contact a reputable expert garage door dealer in your area. The staff can give you insight into what will best fit your home while keeping your budget in mind.

North Country Door Systems makes this a simple process through the use of an email quotation.

Don't know what looks good on your home? Check out 3 styles and get some help deciding what garage door looks best and meets your personal preferences.

Contact us at 518-562-8310, and we'll step in to give you advice on choosing a garage door.

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Those who enjoy apps should try out our Design Centre. You can search through many styles of doors and even upload an image to see them on your existing home.

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