Garage Safety

Electrical malfunction is a leading cause of garage fires, including electrical tools and vehicles. Overloaded outlets, power bars and faulty electrical circuits are often to blame.

How to reduce risk:

• Have a licensed certified electrician inspect the wiring in your home and garage.
• Plug appliances, tools and charging devices directly into a electrical outlet and unplug when not in use.
• Plug only one device or charging appliance into an outlet and avoid using extension cords, especially if old or frayed.

There has been an increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. These types of batteries pack a lot of energy into a very small space. When they’re not used properly, they can easily overheat, catch fire, or explode.

How to reduce risk:

• Take note of household items that use a lithium battery charger, such as lawn and garden machinery, power tools, electric bikes, scooters and hoverboards.
• Only use the battery and charging cord that came with the device.
• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Don’t purchase cheaper, aftermarket or “knock-off” batteries as they may not be manufactured to Canadian safety standards.
• Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• An adult should be responsible for charging the device.
• Do not leave a charging device unattended.
• Never leave the device plugged in overnight or in front of exit doors.
• Keep batteries at room temperature and store out of direct sunlight and hot vehicles.
• Stop using the battery right away if you notice any overheating, odour, change in colour or shape, leaking or odd noises.
• Different municipalities may have different requirements for disposing of lithium-ion batteries. Don’t pile batteries or put in your garbage or recycling bin. In Halton, visit the Halton Waste Management Site for more information about proper battery disposal.

Oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes are often used for home improvement projects. It is common to use rags to wipe up spills or clean brushes. But oily wet rags can ignite on their own. They can start a fire if not handled carefully.

How to reduce risk:

• Hang soiled wet rags outside or weight down to dry. Keep them spaced out, never piled, and away from buildings.
• Put dry rags in a metal container, fill with water and detergent and put on a tight-fitting lid.
• Store flammable substances like oil, gas, propane tanks and paints in detached sheds. If that’s not an option, store in small quantities to reduce your risk of fire and avoid other safety issues.
• Keep liquids in their original container, tightly capped and not in glass.

• Get rid of clutter. Decluttering removes fuel for the fire. Organize and clean your garage regularly.
• Avoid running appliances or vehicles continuously inside the garage as this can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide – a deadly gas you can’t see, smell or taste.
• Don’t use cooking devices such as barbeques, smokers, and turkey fryers inside the garage.
• If you smoke, smoke outside and butt out in deep sturdy ash trays.
• Use welding, grinding, and cutting tools that can create sparks outside and safely away from the house.
• Consider installing a heat alarm that will sound if the temperature rises too high.