OK – maybe the subject of this blog post was a little over the top: “Ignore your cluttered garage at your own peril.”
But I just wanted to remind you that cluttered garages are serious fire hazards.
I think everyone is very aware of the fire hazards that are often found in a typical garage: gas cans, paints and thinners, flammable fertilizers, and so on. Everybody knows to be careful with those things.
I’m afraid, though, that sometimes we get careless with garage clutter. We know it looks bad. We know it’s annoying every time we try to find something. But I think many people forget how dangerous clutter can be.
Just How Dangerous is Garage Clutter?
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, every year garage fires cause “…an estimated 30 deaths, 400 injuries and $457 million in property loss.”
The USFA also reports that garage fires:
- Tend to be larger and spread faster than fires that start in other parts of the home
- Start in one- and two-family residences in 93% of the cases
- Occur in residential garages more frequently during the summertime (July is the peak month)
In many cases, clutter or trash is where a garage fire first starts. And once started, clutter can quickly fuel a garage fire into a roaring inferno. Nearly half of all fires that begin in the garage spread to the living area of a home.The point?Just be careful with garage clutter. It can cause far worse problems than just making your garage an unsightly mess.
P.S. Yes, TLC Inc performs garage makeovers. It’s part of what we do for a living. And we’ll be happy to clear up your garage clutter if you want. Call Linda or Carolyn at 410-721-2342 or email us with your name and phone number and we will get back to you!
But really, I just want you to think honestly about whether your garage is safe. If it’s not, then whether you do it or we do it, I hope this reminder will encourage you to clear the clutter, and make your garage safe for your family.