Kids have a tendency to do things they aren’t supposed to do and to go places they shouldn’t go. It is part of their natural curiosity, but it can get them into trouble if they aren’t careful. While you have probably taken the time and effort to childproof your home, there is one area you may have forgotten – the garage. Even if the kids do not spend much time in the garage, it is important that you take steps to make it as safe as possible for them. We’ll be looking at five different areas of safety that you need to consider to keep your little ones safe
The Vehicle
If you leave your car unlocked, kids could get into it, which could cause a number of problems. They could start the vehicle and move it by mistake, they could become trapped in the car, or even in the trunk. If they are in your blind spot, you may even strike them with the car without knowing they are there.
Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even if you plan to go out again in a bit. Make sure the windows are up as well. You could consider getting an auto lift, which will keep the vehicle off the ground and away from little hands. Always check behind the vehicle and know where your children are when you are pulling into and out of the garage. You may consider getting a vehicle with rearview cameras as well.
The Garage Door
Garage doors are often heavy, and they have a number of dangerous moving parts. These can injure children who get too close to them. You should always test your door to make sure it is working properly. Check to make sure it will reverse if there is something blocking its path. If there is anything wrong with your garage door, or you feel that you need a new and better option, call professional installers to handle the job for you.
Tools
If you have tools in your garage, they can be a big attraction to the kids. They want to see what all of those gadgets and pieces of equipment are, but the tools can cause quite a bit of harm if you do not care for them properly. Make sure you store all of your tools, equipment, and other dangerous items well out of the reach of children. Consider getting a locking cabinet or other storage area for them as well.
Chemicals
In addition to tools, there’s a good chance that you have quite a few chemicals stored in the garage as well. Whether it is a pesticide, weed killer, transmission fluid, or paint, they can injure children. Always store the chemicals according to their instructions and make sure they are in an area where the little ones can’t get into them. You can put them into a locked cabinet and keep them out of reach.
Containers
Having storage containers can help you keep organized, but they can present their own dangers if you are not careful. Make sure that you do not stack them too high, as they could fall over and injure you or your child. Also make sure that you keep the containers locked, so kids do not crawl into them to play.
Take the time to walk through your garage and look at the dangers it currently presents to your children. Think like a curious child and make sure that you have everything locked, in good working order, and safe. If you worry that the garage door might not be in perfect shape, get in touch with us for a quote.
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