Top 5 Reasons to Install a Smoke Detector in Your Garage

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

We are prepared for any size disaster!

Garage fires are common in metro Atlanta.

It's always good to be proactive about safety and prevention. As a homeowner, you want to do what is best for your family, and that includes installing a smoke detector in your garage. When it comes to fires, they can happen anywhere - even the place you least expect them! In this blog post, we will talk about some of the most common reasons why garages catch on fire and how some of these fires are started, so you can better protect yourself from danger.

Does your garage contain combustible items?

It is common for a garage to contain combustible items like gas, oil, and paint. These items can also contain hazardous elements like ethanol or acetone that make them potentially dangerous to store in a garage. You must be aware of the fire hazards present in your garage so you can take measures to prevent fires from occurring there at all.

Consider the following before storing any combustible items:

• Clean out your garage so it's free of any clutter that may catch on fire easily; this includes items like oily rags, paint cans, and gas containers. Removing excess debris will also make it easier for firefighters in case there is a fire emergency!
• Install smoke detectors where they're not blocked by anything else, such as doors or windows, because these are more difficult to reach if they have trouble with mobility due to age.
• Install fire extinguishers in the garage as a precautionary measure. Fire extinguishers should be mounted on walls or high shelves, and out of reach from children.
• Clean up any spilled flammable liquids to prevent accidental ignition. Consider having spill containment products in your garage, so any spills can be contained before they turn into major problems!
• If you use gasoline for household purposes, purchase only one gallon at a time and store it in tightly sealed containers with no more than two gallons total capacity. It is best to keep gasoline stored outside of the home if possible and away from anything else combustible such as dry leaves or grass. If you end up storing gasoline in the house, never place them near heat sources such as furnaces or electric space heaters.

Top 5 reasons why you need to install a garage smoke detector

1. Smoke detectors alert you before you smell smoke, giving you time to get to safety and call for help.
2. They are inexpensive and easy to install with the proper mounting bracket (they come in packages of two).
3. A smoke detector can last up to ten years on average before being replaced.
4. Smoke detectors reduce property loss.
5. May save on homeowners insurance when you install recommended smoke detectors.

Where to place the garage smoke detector?

The best location for a garage smoke detector is at least twelve inches from the floor at ceiling level and away from direct sunlight. When shopping for a garage smoke detector, you should consider getting one that has carbon monoxide detection.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause death. Vehicle exhaust can give off carbon monoxide, which is why it's essential to have a garage smoke detector with carbon monoxide detection.

Final thoughts on garage smoke detectors

We hope you learned the importance of installing a garage smoke detector. Although it is known that smoke detectors save lives, it is equally important to keep your garage free of clutter and anything that can easily catch fire. Also, make sure to leave plenty of space for ventilation so air is not unnecessarily trapped in your garage; installing one or more exhaust fans to increase circulation within the room will help tremendously. 

SERVPRO of South Cobb wants our Metro Atlanta residents to stay safe from fire damage. You can count on our IICRC certified team in the case that your garage has experienced a fire disaster.

In greater Atlanta, SERVPRO is well known for its high-quality customer service and honest professionals. We know how devastating a fire disaster can be, and that is why we want to be there for you every step of the way.