5 Tips to Childproof Your Garage

Do you remember what it was like when your children first came along? Among the many massive changes to your life, there was one small detail. You had to go through your entire home and remove or lock away almost everything that was within your child’s reach. Suddenly anything that was breakable or could be swallowed was strictly prohibited. You probably never knew your home could be such a dangerous place.

But did you think of doing the same in your garage? While it’s not a problem while they are still infants, once toddlers begin to walk, they can get places that they’re not supposed to be. And they can do so in the blink of an eye.

Even if your children are always under your supervision, it’s still a good idea to childproof your garage to ensure no accidents happen. Here are just a few things you can do in your garage to protect your children.

1. Dangerous Chemicals

Just like the cleaning solutions and prescription medications in your home, the things you store in your garage can be very harmful. And some are quite inviting to inquisitive children – like bright blue or pink windshield washer antifreeze. Store them out of your children’s reach – and remember, they like to climb – or lock them away.

2. Items You are Storing

You know that battery you took out of the car you’re storing for the winter? You don’t want your children to come into contact with it.

If you use your garage door for storage – and who doesn’t – make sure things on shelves, hanging on the wall or stacked in boxes can’t fall and harm your children, or anyone else.

3. Your Car(s)

Just because it’s in the garage doesn’t mean you shouldn’t lock your car doors whenever you leave it – if only to stop your children from getting into it when you’re not around. And definitely, don’t leave your keys in the car.

4. Tools & Equipment

Your garage is a great place for a workroom. But if you have children, the tools and equipment you keep can be very attractive to them; and very dangerous.

5. Your Garage Door

It’s heavy and its always under tension. That makes your garage door potentially dangerous. Regularly check all the safety mechanisms of your garage door opener, including eye sensors and its automatic reversing function, to make sure they are working properly.

In the end, you have to treat your garage the way you treated your home when your children first arrived. Go through it with a sharp eye for anything that might be harmful and take whatever steps are needed to make it safe. For garage door maintenance and repairs in Markham and the nearby communities, contact Markham Garage Doors.