Many sections of the home can be dangerous for small children, but few spaces are as hazardous as the garage. These spaces are often filled with potential risks, from dangerous chemicals to power tools and automated garage doors, any of which can lead to a serious accident. To help you protect your little one and give you peace of mind, below are a few tips for making your garage child-safe.

How to Make Your Garage Safe for Children

1. Put Dangerous Chemicals Out of Reach

Engine oil, bleach, and a variety of other common chemicals can cause serious injury or even death if ingested. Children are curious by nature, so it’s best to put all chemicals up and out of reach, even if they’re in a sealed container.

2. Lock the Door

Unless you’ve converted the garage to a play area or family room, there’s usually no reason for a small child to be there unattended. Installing a child lock on the door opening into the garage is a good investment in keeping your child out of one of the most dangerous areas of the house.

3. Organize Your Garage

Having a curious child is a good reason to get serious about organizing your garage. If you use the space primarily for storage or hobbies, investing in some bins or new shelves and clearing out the clutter will help keep potentially dangerous items out of your child’s hands.

4. Lock Your Car

If your child gets into the garage, they can easily trap themselves inside the vehicle. Locking your car at all times will deter thieves and children looking for a place to play.

5. Test & Upgrade Your Garage Door

Test your garage door sensor on a regular basis to ensure it will automatically reverse if something or someone blocks the door’s path. Use a roll of paper towels to test the sensor’s effectiveness. If your garage door is older or the safety mechanisms aren’t responding the way they should, replacing it with a newer model will help avoid preventable accidents.

If your garage door isn’t running smoothly or it’s time for an upgrade, turn to the professionals at Overhead Door Co. of Lycoming County, a division of Schrader Architectural Products. As “The Genuine, the Original Overhead Door Company,” they offer a wide variety of high-quality products, with options to suit every style and some of the most advanced safety features on the market. To browse their selection of residential garage doors visit their website or stop by their showroom in Williamsport, PA today. For more tips and advice, call (570) 326-4749 to speak to an expert.