If your car is out on the street because there's no room for it in the garage, it's time to get organized. Here are some tips and tools to make it happen. Safety First: Learn the best ways to store that hazardous stuff we all keep in the garage: the chemicals, the paint cans and pesticides.
Chemicals are the No. 1 danger. A lot of people keep pesticides, paints and auto fluids, often in old food containers, which can leak and cause fumes, burns, respiratory problems and fire hazards. Always store such substances in their original containers and out of reach of children, on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet. Chemicals that are poisonous to pets are a huge problem. Road salt and ice-melt mixtures can get on the paws of cats and dogs and cause diarrhea and vomiting. Antifreeze, in particular, is highly dangerous and can be fatal. It has a sweet smell that attracts pets; as little as 1 tablespoon can kill a cat; half a cup can kill a dog. Be sure to wipe up any spills immediately, and keep antifreeze out of reach for children, too.
Chemicals are the No. 1 danger. A lot of people keep pesticides, paints and auto fluids, often in old food containers, which can leak and cause fumes, burns, respiratory problems and fire hazards. Always store such substances in their original containers and out of reach of children, on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet. Chemicals that are poisonous to pets are a huge problem. Road salt and ice-melt mixtures can get on the paws of cats and dogs and cause diarrhea and vomiting. Antifreeze, in particular, is highly dangerous and can be fatal. It has a sweet smell that attracts pets; as little as 1 tablespoon can kill a cat; half a cup can kill a dog. Be sure to wipe up any spills immediately, and keep antifreeze out of reach for children, too.
Gas grills often are stored in the garage, complete with their propane tanks. Propane is highly combustible, and when the propane leaks, it's a gas. You can't see it, but it can hover over the garage floor. One spark of static electricity or the flick of a light switch could cause an explosion. Anything with propane should be stored at least 10 feet away from the house.
Kids' toys can be a hazard if they're not stored properly. First of all, they should be kept well away from chemical clutter, and they should be up off the floor. Not too high, though; you don't want the kids trying to reach them by standing on wobbly boxes. Use bins for small toys and balls.
Ladders can be a hazard just leaning up against a wall. That may seem like the logical way to store a ladder, but it can tip over very easily, damaging your car or injuring a loved one. Lean it against the wall horizontally at floor level, or, even better, store it on hooks.
Gardening tools should be stored vertically on secure hooks attached to the walls so they're easy to get to when you need them and they're out of the way when you don't.
Extension cords used in the garage should always be rated for outdoor use, even though technically you're using it indoors. There is just too much chance of moisture on the floor in a garage, so don't take any chances.
Doors and windows in garages usually don't get the same attention as those in house. However, the door should have a professionally installed deadbolt; the doors and windows should be kept locked.
Smoke detectors also need the same attention you give the ones in the house. Be sure to change the batteries twice a year.
Unmarked stairs are an accident waiting to happen. Even if you have only one or two steps, put a strip of white or reflective tape on the edges so that people can see them, even in dim light.
Rugs or tarps under a car to catch leaking fluids may keep the garage floor clean, but it also becomes a fire hazard. Get rid of it, and soak up the spills with cat litter or sawdust. If the stains have already soaked into the floor, try oven cleaner to remove them. Let it soak for about 15 minutes, then give the floor a good scrubbing.
Garage floors need some protection, too. Install matting or rubber tiles. They extend the life of your concrete floors, and they give your garage the look of a showroom.
