Home safety is paramount as your family and property are the most precious things and need protection. One thing every homeowner should pay attention to is the garages. Neglecting it can threaten your family and property, but taking the proper precautions can help prevent accidents. And many things can go wrong when not careful.
Homeowners must reinforce, renovate, upgrade, and maintain their garages to keep them secure. Various strategies will help you ward off burglars, fire hazards, and damage from extreme weather. Your mission is to ensure your home is safe from potential dangers.
Here are seven essential tips to improve garage safety and protect your family and property.
1. Invest in Durable Doors and Locks
Your garage door protects your car, accessories, and any items you store there. It is one of the most vulnerable entry points for a burglar. Ensure it is secure with sturdy material and design. Check garage door safety tips for homeowners to find best recommendations. Esthetics and elegance are secondary to security, so install modern, durable, and firm garage doors
Moreover, the door locks must be secure. You can switch out a standard lock with a deadbolt or a digital lock. Connecting the garage door lock to your home hub allows you to control it from your workplace. It makes the opening for your visitor, dog sitter, or delivery guy easier. You will not need to leave the door open and risk receiving uninvited guests.
Home automation services allow individuals to control and manage various aspects of their homes through smart technology. These services often involve using devices such as smart speakers, smart thermostats, smart locks, and security systems connected to a central hub or controlled remotely via mobile apps. Home automation services offer convenience and efficiency by allowing homeowners to automate tasks and control devices from a single platform. For example, users can adjust the temperature, turn lights on or off, lock doors, and even monitor their home’s security system from anywhere with an internet connection. Benefits of home automation services include increased energy efficiency and cost savings by optimizing heating and cooling systems, reducing energy consumption when not needed, and providing the ability to monitor and adjust energy usage remotely.Â
2. Never Share the Security Code
That sounds plain straightforward. You could think that your garage door opener passcode is secure with you. However, if not careful, it may land in the wrong hands. For instance, writing down the code on a piece of cardboard or paper and hiding it in the car cannot guarantee it will be secret.
Your neighbors, colleagues, and associates are not your friends. You never know who their friends are. Furthermore, never share your security code with service providers or store it on your laptop, tablet, or phone. Find a way to help kids get home, like a doorbell. Also, ask the bus driver to alert you. You can then remotely open the door for them and lock it as soon as they enter.
3. Thoroughly Inspect the Door
Regular maintenance and inspection are inescapable for any home. Your garage door is no exception. Inspect it regularly to ensure no signs of damage or tampering. Check the electrical wiring and mechanical components of the door. Also, look out for any rust or corrosion around the hinges and springs. Bearings, rollers, and tracks are prone to wear. A patch of rust or corrosion indicates that the parts need replacement.
Repairs carried out in time will save you the expense of replacing the whole door. Also, damaged garage doors can cause injuries to users. You can avoid that by ensuring its optimal performance with frequent maintenance. Addressing any issue in time will increase the lifespan of your door and keep it working as expected.
4. Install an Outdoor Security Camera
Are garage doors safe from burglars? You will not know the answer if you do not monitor them constantly. An outdoor security camera provides real-time data on what is happening at home. You can use digital sensors and CCTV cameras to watch it.
The camera will let you know if a stranger is loitering around your home or tampering with the lock. Connect it to your smart home system for continuous tracking. You will see, hear, and talk to anyone in your compound. Also, you can use the camera to monitor the delivery of fragile items, such as a television. It is a safety feature to prevent online fraud and rowdy delivery guys.
5. Install Sufficient Lighting
Can darkness cause danger in your garage? Well, it can if you lack lighting on the premises. A dimly lit garage is an open invitation to thieves and robbers. It also harbors potential danger when you are in there. Darkness conceals many things, like rats, spiders, and other pests lurking in the corner.
Lighting fixtures help you maneuver safely in the garage and protect your property from prowlers. Motion sensors turn on lights automatically when you enter and exit the area. You can also install solar-powered lights to save on electricity. Taking advantage of daylight is another way to brighten up the space. Install windows and translucent panes to allow natural lighting during the day.
6. Declutter the Space
Careless storage is a hazard in homes. Sharp pins, handsaws, and other items lying around the garage can be a source of danger. It is hard to move around with debris and clutter all over. You do not want to prick your leg or get your kid’s hand caught in a fan belt.
Organize the items on shelves and neatly arrange them in boxes. Design other storage solutions, like tracks, drawers, and racks. Keep combustible materials away from heat sources. Also, create a designated workshop area if your space allows it. You may need an outdoor workshop in the backyard or a separate storage shed.
7. Never Leave Valuables in There
Before you ask, your car is the most expensive asset in your garage, and there is no other space to keep it. But at least lock the doors before leaving. Do not leave other items in the garage. It is unwise to store vital documents, like log books, title deeds, and credit cards, there. Valuable items attract burglars. Secure them in your safe or another secure location.
Also, never let anyone know you brought valuables to your house. After all, never keep large amounts of money, precious stones, and jewelry in the garage. Only carry enough for emergencies when you cannot pay with your credit card. Use the same precaution with your car keys and other items that might interest burglars.
Summing Up
Safety begins with precautions, and the garage requires maximum attention. Negligence can lead to home insecurities that may cause tension in the family. Ensuring a safe and secure entrance reduces your risk of theft, injury, or property damage. Also, maintain the garage space regularly and declutter it. Home safety is an ongoing process that never stops. The measures highlighted above will improve safety at home for your family and goods.
Author Bio
Jessica is a content specialist in health and wellness niche from last 5 years. Apart from witing she loves to travel and read books. She also have worked with Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair .
