How common is it for garage fires to occur? Keep your home safe by finding the answer below.
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.
Answering the question "How can I prevent my garage from catching fire?" requires a lot of consideration. Nevertheless, it's a significant question. Garage fires cost millions of dollars in property damage, injure hundreds, and even cause deaths every year.
The topic of today's article is how to prevent fires in your garage. We will discuss fire causes, how to respond to a garage fire, and what to do if one breaks out.
The Most Common Reasons Garage Fires Start
First, the answer to another question needs to be answered before we can discuss how to prevent fires in your garage. Is there a reason why garages catch fire? Answering this question is more complicated than you might expect.
Garage fires can be extremely dangerous. Among other things, it can cause injuries and damage property. It could cause a home to catch fire, especially for those with attached garages. Any homeowner should be cautious to avoid these issues.
Is the garage the most commonplace that a house fire starts? No. However, they are more common in garages than they are in some other spaces.
Avoid garage fires for your safety. Image: Pixabay
How Exactly Do Garages Catch Fire?
Fires in garages have a number of causes, but the four leading ones are listed below. To prevent fires in your garage, learn what causes fires.
- Propane Tanks
Propane tanks should not be stored inside, even when barbeque season is over. An unintentional leak or poorly sealed tank could have disastrous consequences. An explosion can be caused by even a small spark.
For your safety, fire officials do not recommend storing tanks in garages. Consider buying fewer tanks or finding another storage room. By doing so, you will avoid an unexpected garage explosion, which can have disastrous effects on your house.
- Flammable Liquids
Garages are often left filled with items like gasoline, oil, and cleaning solutions. Even though these liquids aren't always dangerous, a flame or spark can ignite them. Any liquid that is vaporized may also catch fire.
Keep these liquids out of reach of children and pets. A label should be placed on every container of flammable liquid.
- Clutter
A garage is often used for storing tons of junk. This causes them to fill up fast with things you don't want to toss out. A fire will spread far more quickly if there is a lot of clutter around.
This problem can be avoided by decluttering. If you don't want something anymore, you can donate it, throw it away, or gift it to someone who needs it.
- Electrical Issues
An electrical malfunction is one of the most common causes of garage fires. Electrical outlets can overheat or electrical circuits can malfunction, resulting in fires.
Leaving power cords exposed for an extended period can also be dangerous. Use a regular wall socket to power the garage door opener. If you live in an older home, you may want to have your wiring inspected by a professional.
What to Do to Help Prevent a Fire
By implementing prevention strategies, fires can be avoided. Aside from preventing outbreaks, you should also be prepared to deal with them if they do occur. There is a high risk of injuries in home fires due to the rapid spread of the flames.
Does your garage need a smoke alarm? Definitely! Here are two other methods for protecting your garage and home:
- It is a good idea to install a smoke alarm in the garage if your garage does not have one.
- Make sure your garage or home is equipped with a fire extinguisher.
Another common question we get is, can you light a fire in a garage? A fire can be started by any flame. For this reason, avoid using a fire pit in enclosed spaces, such as garages.
Remember, fires should always be treated with the utmost caution, even if they look small. Leaving the area and calling local emergency services if the flames can't be controlled is your best option.
You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Shaker-Flat CC, 9' x 7', Black, Clear windows.
4 Key Steps to Help You Deal With Fire Damage In Your Home
After a fire in your garage, there are a few steps you need to follow. As much as possible, take time to breathe and relax so you can follow these steps calmly.
1. Contact the Insurance Company
Please notify your insurer immediately if your home has been damaged by a fire. Get an accurate reimbursement by knowing the details of what your insurance covers. Since every policy is different, how you handle it will also vary.
In most cases, the pre-fire value of the home will be covered. A company may still settle a complete loss by paying the policy amount to cover the house and whatever was inside during the fire.
Avoid fire trucks rushing to your location. Image: Pixabay.
2. Get a Proper Inspection
After a fire, your insurance company may send an adjuster to inspect the premises. However, this is not always sufficient. It is not always in your best interest to follow their decisions alone. You may be able to get answers about the cost of repairs by hiring a professional.
Inspections should include the interior walls, framing, roofing, heating system, siding, and plumbing.
3. Decide Whether You’re Going to Repair or Rebuild
Depending on the results of the inspection, you can decide whether to repair your home or demolish it and rebuild it. You may have limited options under the insurance policy. You should be aware of the water and smoke damage cleanup process, as well as the price associated with it.
4. Hire the Best Local Professionals
Be sure to research your options after making the decisions you need to when choosing a contractor. It is recommended that this person has experience working with insurance companies.
What’s the Process for Replacing a Garage Door?
You like this look? This garage door is a Standard+ Classic MIX, 9' x 7', Desert Sand.
Think about the possibility of constructing a new garage. What kind of garage door you install will be one of the decisions you need to make. By considering your budget, the size of the door you desire, and whether you want an attached or a detached option, you’ll be able to determine the options that best suit you.
Still not sure? Find out your options for choosing a one-car garage or two-car garage door. If you wish to use an automatic garage door opener, research your options well. The included cameras and audio in some models are great features to consider.
During the shopping process for your garage door, here are two important factors to consider:
- How well does the door reflect light? Light reflects off garage doors, so the better they reflect light, the cooler the garage will be in the summer.
- Is the door construction made to stop the wind? Your garage door professional should be able to answer your questions. Wind howling through your garage door is certainly not something you want to hear.
Your style and budget will determine the type of style looks best in your home.
Is It Time to Install a Brand New Garage Door?
You like this look? This garage door is a Regal Shaker-Flat Long, 9' x 7', Black Ice, window layout: Left-side Harmony.
Contact us for more information. Your style and budget will be taken into account when we suggest an option for you.
Autograph Door Systems creates a simple process by offering an email quotation.
Having trouble deciding what style to choose for your home? Check out these 3 styles and decide which one is best suited to your needs.
Get in touch with us at 905-686-6195, and we can help you choose the ideal options for your home.
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