How to Childproof a Garage
There are several ways parents can make the garage a safe.
Young children are curious, and their adventures often involve exploring different home areas. While parents usually childproof the living and dining rooms, they may forget to do so with the garage.
Unfortunately, it's challenging to watch children at all times, and accidents can occur when they get inside the garage. The good news is there are several ways parents can make the garage a safe space for their kids to prevent injuries and mishaps.
Secure the door
The simplest way to childproof a garage is by installing a lock that kids can't operate. This precaution means parents might need a few extra seconds to access the garage. But it's worth it if it stops children from making the garage their play area.
Consider investing in a Dutch door. Most models feature a self-locking mechanism. This solution allows parents to enter and exit the garage without worrying about kids sneaking in unnoticed.
Besides being an excellent childproofing solution, Dutch doors have a sophisticated look that adds a rustic edge to the home.
Test the locks
Also, test the garage door every so often to ensure all elements work correctly. Pay attention to the safety functions. Even if a child tries to enter while the door is closing, the safety functions will stop the action.
Those who feel uncertain about tinkering with their garage door should contact a professional. They'll inspect the system and ensure it's in perfect condition.
Lock away harmful substances
Parents should never forget to lock away harmful substances kept in the garage. Keep items like gasoline, mothballs, matches, and windshield wiper fluid in a locked cabinet on a high shelf.
Adults know how dangerous these items can be when mishandled. But to young children, they could resemble toys or even something that looks good to consume. So it's best to place them in hard-to-reach areas where they'll be out of sight.
The same goes for detergent pods. Never place them in the open next to the laundry unit. A child could assume they're candy and try to take a bite. When parents lock detergent products inside a cabinet, they won't have to worry about such incidents.
Build garage barriers
Those who keep a furnace or water heater inside the garage should consider childproofing the area with protective barriers. Also, lower the unit's temperature to approximately 120 degrees to prevent burns.
Lock up cabinets
Children love climbing and are often small enough to try to get inside cabinets, freezers, recycling containers, and driers. For them, these are perfect hiding spots. But for parents, they're an accident waiting to happen.
Secure heavy equipment
Set up a separate area for bikes, weights, barbells, motorcycles, and similar equipment. It's always a good idea to section off the area with a barrier to keep children away from heavy equipment that can fall and injure them.
Child safety comes first
Those wondering how to boost safety levels in the garage should contact an expert. They've likely worked on similar projects before and know the best ways to childproof the garage.
Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602) 610-0112
