Next to fires that start in the kitchen, garage fires are the second most common fires that can happen in homes. Accordingly, about 6,600 residential fires start from the garage every year. As a result, an average of 30 lives are lost, 400 individuals are injured and properties worth $457 million are damaged. Needless to say, every homeowner should take necessary precautions to keep their garages free from fire hazards.
One way to keep the garage safer from fire is to keep class B fire extinguishers in the area. In most cases, homeowners store flammable liquids that they use on their vehicles which should not be. Class B extinguishers are used for fires that are energized by petrol, gas, grease, oil, and the like. It is also advised that you place other types of fire extinguishers, especially if you do not store flammable liquids in your garage. Fire in garages can also start from faulty electrical wirings or other sources.
Undoubtedly, garage fires can be the most dangerous of home fires. This is because of the following reasons.
Presence of Plenty of Fire Hazards
Flammable liquids, such as grease, oil, and petrol are usually stored in the garage. Once these catch fire, it will not start slowly but instead produces big flames instantly that can engulf the whole area and easily spread to other parts of the home. If electricity is not shutdown, electrical wirings can help spread the fire throughout the fire. In many homes, garages are also used to store many other items that can help escalate the fire.
There should be another place to store flammable liquids. It is advised that it should be in a detached structure from your home.
Location of the Garage
In most cases, garages are found in the basement of homes. This makes it easier for the fire to spread to other floors of your house. It can also be the major cause of loss of lives and injuries as fire victims are trapped from getting out of the house.
If possible, the garage should be in a detached structure from the main residential building. If not, extra precaution should always be observed.
Enormous Air Supply
Besides the flammable liquid, electrical wirings, and other stored items in the area, the garage is also usually not devoid of air. This provides an enormous ‘food’ supply for the fire to grow in huge proportions all at once.
With the propensity of damage that garage fires can bring, all household members should practice necessary precautions.
