Understanding garage safety Published April 28, 2010 By Tim Johnston Vandenberg Fire inspector VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An unplanned fire anywhere is dangerous sometimes even deadly but garage fires can often wreak a great deal more havoc. Not only are they detected less quickly than fires that begin in the house, they often spread more quickly and more violently. A simple spark in the garage can lead to a house explosion if you are not careful as to what materials are kept in this volatile area. Garages are prime places for fires to start. This is because many people store both combustible materials and fire starters in their garages. While it's better that people keep these items in their garage rather than inside their house, it is vital that people store them properly and in an organized fashion. Flammable liquids Substances like gasoline, oil, and paints are very flammable and are commonly found in garages. If you need to store these materials, make sure that you do so only in very small amounts. Keep each flammable substance in a small, sealed contained that is clearly labeled with its contents. Store these containers away from appliances, heaters, pilot lights and other sources of flame or heat. Never store propane cylinders indoors. They are sturdy enough to stay outside, and the risk of them catching fire indoors is just too great. Propane is highly combustible, and a tank full of it would promptly cause a deadly explosion. Always clean up any spill that occurs in the garage. If you find an unidentified liquid, look for the source, and make sure to remove it all. Don't just leave it there --- it could mean your life. Fire starters It's inevitable that you will store some flammable items or substances in your garage. But you can control the risk of these combustibles catching fire. Educate yourself on the things you should avoid. For one, never smoke in your garage. Forgotten matches and cigarettes butts start millions of fires each year. You'll also need to be aware of the electrical situation in your garage. A spark from a careless wiring job could mean a huge fire. Be careful to use light bulbs with the proper wattage in your garage. The light fixture should indicate how many watts it can support. Do not exceed this limit, or you will risk starting an electrical fire. Also, do not overload outlets. Keep all cords and wires taped down so they are not yanked or twisted. Mess One of the easiest things you can do to prevent a garage fire is to keep the area clean. Do not allow piles of junk to build up. Install shelving units and simply throw things away. Make sure that you dispose of trash at every opportunity. Household trash is full of flammables, and easy to get rid of. Once a month, clean the garage of dust, cobwebs, and trash, which can interfere with the electrical system. Lastly, make sure that your garage is equipped for a fire. Install a fire detector and check its functioning at least once a month. You should also keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible location that can be used for fires in the garage or in the home. If you have any questions feel free to call the Vandenberg Fire Department at 606-4680.