Garage Safety Tips for Families with Kids and Pets
June is Safety Awareness and Injury Prevention Month—a perfect time to take a fresh look at one of the most overlooked areas in the home when it comes to safety: the garage. For families with children and pets, the garage can pose unique hazards. From sharp tools to toxic chemicals, it’s important to take proactive steps to ensure this space is as safe as the rest of your home. From your friendly, neighborhood garage experts at J.D. Griffiths, here are our top considerations and tips to keep everyone in your home safe around your garage.
Lock Up or Secure Hazardous Materials and Equipment
Garages often store paints, pesticides, cleaning supplies, and automotive fluids, all of which can be extremely dangerous if ingested or spilled. Store these items in high cabinets or locked storage containers, well out of reach of curious hands and paws.
Likewise, Sharp tools, power tools, and heavy equipment like lawnmowers should never be left within reach. Use wall-mounted tool racks or locked toolboxes to keep everything securely stored. Unplug power tools when not in use, and consider using outlet covers to prevent children from accidentally turning them on.
For the best ideas on how to optimize storage in any garage space, check out this article! And if you’re in need of a fresh new garage layout, book a free estimate with J.D. Griffiths here.
Keep the Floor Clear
Trips and falls are one of the most common garage-related injuries. Keep walkways clear of clutter, cords, and loose items. Store bicycles, sports gear, and gardening tools in designated areas using hooks or shelving systems to reduce floor hazards. Your garage should never be a catch-all space for clutter to collect. If it is, consider doing a big clean out, hosting a garage sale, or working on better storage solutions.
Check the Garage Door
Garage doors are a major safety concern for kids and pets. Make sure your garage door has an automatic reverse feature that stops and lifts the door if something is in the way. Test it monthly. Also, keep remotes out of children’s reach and talk to your kids about the importance of staying clear of the door when it’s opening or closing. Communication is a powerful tool when creating awareness and preventing accidents or injury.
You also want to make sure that your garage door and mechanisms are properly maintained. Here are some tips to do this yourself and how to know when to call in an expert. Looking for a garage tune-up? Reach out to J.D. Griffiths for a free quote today!
Prevent Heat and Fume Exposure
Never leave a running vehicle inside the garage, even for a few minutes. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly and is deadly. Similarly, ensure proper ventilation if you’re using paints or solvents. Keep pets out of the garage when working with chemicals or machinery to avoid accidents. While the garage is a great space for hobbies to come to life, always be sure you are taking proper precautions to keep yourself and your family and furry friends safe.
Establish Boundaries
Set clear rules for children like, “the garage is not a play area.” If possible, install a child safety gate, door alarm, or even a camera to monitor and prevent unsupervised access. For pets, use a baby gate or keep the garage door closed at all times unless directly supervised.
It may seem extreme, but far too many accidents have happened in garages when these boundaries have not been set, and some are devastating. Taking extra precautions is necessary, and never feel ashamed to do so with your family and even visitors to prevent injury or accidents.
Safety First, Always
Making your garage a safe zone doesn’t have to be a big project. With a few simple changes, you can protect your family from common hazards and enjoy greater peace of mind. This Safety Awareness Month, take the time to inspect, clean, and secure your garage—it’s a smart investment in your family’s well-being.
If your garage needs a repair or tune-up, don’t wait around for an accident, injury, or inconvenience to happen. Take action to make your garage a safe place for you and your family by scheduling an inspection and tune-up with J.D. Griffiths. Regular maintenance can make a world of difference and is the best line of defense against a hazardous garage door incident. Book your service visit today!
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J.D. Griffiths has proudly served the greater Milwaukee area since 1947, building our reputation as the premiere detached garage and garage door experts. Check out more resources, examples, and information on our garage builds, renovations, door installation, and service jobs to learn more. Be sure to connect with us on social media, too! Follow J.D. Griffiths on Facebook.
