Preventing Garage Fires: A Homeowner's Guide
This guide outlines measures to prevent garage fires and stop their spread to the rest of your house. While many recommendations can be implemented yourself, consulting an InterNACHI inspector is advised to ensure comprehensive safety.
Why Garages Pose a Fire Hazard
- Activities: Welding and car work involve flammable materials.
- Appliances: Water heaters and boilers can create sparks. Car batteries also spark under certain conditions.
- Leaks: Oil and gasoline can drip from cars and ignite.
- Flammable Liquids: Gasoline, motor oil, paint, brake fluid, varnish, paint thinner, and lighter fluid are commonly stored in garages.
Tips to Prevent Garage Fires and Their Spread
- Attic Access: Ensure the attic access has a hatch cover.
- Fire-Rated Walls and Ceiling: Verify the walls and ceiling are fire-rated. An InterNACHI inspector can confirm if your walls are Type X fire-rated gypsum.
- Clear Floor: Keep the floor free of clutter such as loose papers, matches, and oily rags.
- Proper Electrical Use: Use light bulbs with the proper wattage and avoid overloading electrical outlets.
- Secure Cords and Wires: Tape down cords and wires to prevent twisting or accidental yanking.
Door Connecting Garage to Living Area
- No Pet Doors: Avoid installing pet doors, as flames can spread more easily through them.
- Self-Closing Door: The door should be self-closing, even if it’s inconvenient.
- Seal Joints and Open Spaces: Ensure joints and spaces around the door are tightly sealed to prevent fumes like carbon monoxide or gasoline vapor from entering the living area.
Items Placed on the Floor
- Flammable Liquids Storage: Store flammable liquids in clearly labeled, self-closing containers, in small amounts, away from heat sources.
- No Indoor Propane Tanks: Never store propane tanks indoors, as they can explode if they catch fire. Store them outdoors.
Summary: Avoiding Fire Hazards in Garage
Preventing garage fires involves maintaining a clutter-free space, managing flammable materials properly, ensuring fire-resistant construction, and sealing off the garage from the living area. Regular inspections by an InterNACHI inspector are highly recommended for comprehensive safety.