Find and fix the hidden dangers in your garage

Is you garage healthy? Storing everything but the car in there is nothing new. But many garages today harbor health dangers. In fact, 94 percent of Americans keep hazardous items including chemicals and sharp objects in the garage. A whopping one out of three has a garage-related injury at some point. Prevention magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Liz Vaccariello has  has 11 easy fix ‘em solutions:

1. Unmarked stairs
Slips and falls are the garage's greatest danger, accounting for more than a third of all injuries. Unmarked stairs are a major culprit.

Fixes:

• A sturdy handrail should be added to both sides of any stairway.
• Also, put white or reflective tape on edges of steps (even if there are just a few) so they're easy to see, day and night.

2. Chemical clutter
Many chemicals like pesticides (liquid wasp and bug sprays), auto fluids, paints, paint thinners and pool products are stored haphazardly all over the garage. Some can even erode improper containers (like food containers or soda bottles) and leak fumes or liquids that can cause burns, accidental poisoning, respiratory problems, and fire hazards.

Fixes:

• Keep liquids in original containers, sealed tightly and locked in a central cabinet, and away from a pilot light, with the exception of gasoline.
• If you have gasoline follow the guidelines from the National Fire Protection Agency: Use approved, tightly sealed read plastic or metal containers labeled gasoline that holds no more than 5 gallons. They’re avail­able at hardware stores — look for the UL or ASTM seal. This type of container has a vapor-tight cap and prevents static friction (which could spark a fire).
• Do not keep gasoline in a garage with an appliance that contains a pilot light. Store away from direct sunlight or any other source of combustion.

3. Troublesome toys
Tossing toys or sports gear near liquid chemicals (cleaning or automotive products, e.g.) ups the odds that kids will be exposed to harmful toxins. Shelving their toys up high may encourage youngsters to stand on unsteady boxes or climb to get to them.

Fixes:

• Designate a corner of the garage for bikes, sled, sports equipment and toys.
• Stash them on a low shelf or securely against a wall with hooks so kids can reach them easily.
• Corral loose items like tennis, golf or soccer balls put in mesh bags or shelved bins.

4. Leaning ladders
This may seem like the obvious way to store a ladder, but when it's placed vertically it can tip over in an instant, damaging a car, or a loved one. Plus, its climbable position may tempt children to scramble up or play on the rungs.

Fixes:

• Lay your ladder horizontally against a wall — or get it out of the way by hanging it horizontally from secure hooks.
• Also hang brooms, rakes, and loose garden or shop tools to get them off the floor, or store them neatly in a tall cabinet.
  

5. Silent detector
A smoke detector is no good if it's silent. Batteries should be checked at least twice a year. With flammable chemicals and cars filled with gas in the garage, it's important to be prepared for fire.

Fixes:

• Set aside a time, say the first of the month, to routinely test the detector.
• If you can’t remember to do regular checks, invest in a Dupont Self-Charging Smoke Alarm ($26; target.com). It’s a combination alarm and light socket; screw it in between a lightbulb and its fixture, and it automatically charges whenever the light is on.
• What else does this garage need? A fire extinguisher — hang it somewhere with easy access, close to an exit, and make sure that everyone knows how to use it.
• You should also install a carbon monoxide detector if you use the garage as a workspace.
  

6. Pet poisons
Spilled road salt or ice-melt mixtures can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation if they get on dogs' and cats' paws. (Plus, they can do major damage to your garage floor.) Antifreeze also attracts pets and small children with its sweet smell. (Just a tablespoon can kill a cat; less than half a cup can be fatal to a dog.)

Fixes:

• Store these materials out of reach of kids and animals by placing them on a high shelf or a locked cabinet.
• Make sure to wipe up any spills or drips that animals may try to lick.

7. Ineffective lighting
With tight spaces and lots of tripping hazards, a garage should really be the brightest room in the house. But a third of American garages have inadequate lighting, according to a 2005 Home Safety Council & GarageTek survey; some have only one dim fixture in the center of the room.

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