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| New Research Shows Families Are Overlooking Garage Dangers A new national study shows that injuries in the garage are much more common than many would expect, and perhaps directly related to the public's lack of concern with safety hazards in this busy area of the home. To reduce the risk of injuries in garages nationwide, GarageTek, a leading provider of garage organization systems, is partnering with the national nonprofit Home Safety Council to promote steps to creating a safe, clean and organized garage during the 2nd Annual Garage Safety Week 2005. The new survey reveals that nearly 60 percent of all garage users are unconcerned about safety hazards within their garage, even though one out of every three respondents report that a garage-related injury has occurred in their home. Slips and falls are the most commonly recognized garage safety issue (24 percent), which Home Safety Council research shows is the leading cause of unintentional home injury and related death in and around the home. Additional injury worries vary and include stepping on items, falling objects and garage fires. "The garage serves as a multi-purpose room for many Americans," said Dave Visger of GarageTek in Bonita Springs. "As more people use the garage as an extension of their home, applying critical safety measures and staying organized will help ensure that the garage remains a safe and functional room for the entire family to enjoy." Potentially Dangerous Items Stored in Almost Every GarageMost families utilize the garage for storage, and according to the new study many quite frequently keep potentially dangerous items in their garage that must be handled with care and properly stored to avoid possible injury. In fact, 94 percent of garage users store at least one potentially dangerous item in their garage. Items most frequently stored in the garage include: * Tools/sharp objects (82 percent)* Lawn care products (64 percent)* Automotive fluids (60 percent)* Paint, paint thinner (50 percent)* Cleaning products (50 percent)* Gasoline/propane (42 percent) To keep loved ones safe from hazards including poison exposures, injuries from sharp objects and fire dangers, consider the following safe storage advice: * Make sure poisonous products such as pesticides, automotive fluids, lighter fluid, paint thinner, antifreeze and turpentine have child-resistant caps, are clearly labeled and are stored in a locked cabinet out of sight and reach of children.* Store shovels, rakes, lawn chairs, bikes and other sharp and large objects on the wall and out of high traffic areas.* Keep pool chemicals according to the manufacturers' directions to prevent combustion and potential poisoning exposures.* Store gasoline in small quantities only and in a proper, tightly sealed container labeled "gasoline." * Do not keep gasoline in a garage with an appliance that contains a pilot light. Garage Disorganization Causes InjuriesMore than 75 percent of reported garage-related injuries result from either slipping and falling or stepping on an object left on the garage floor, two hazards that could be avoided with adequate lighting and proper organization. However, many Americans are not taking these important safety precautions. The majority of garage users (60 percent) report that their garage is unorganized and additionally one out of three American garages does not have sufficient lighting. "Safety measures such as installing proper lighting and keeping floors and stairs clear of clutter are important for inside the home, but also critical for the garage," said Home Safety Council president Meri-K Appy. "Every family can take simple steps to maintain a clean and organized garage and ultimately increase the overall safety of their home."To reduce the risk of falls and other garage-related injuries, follow these organizational guidelines from GarageTek and the Home Safety Council: * Properly secure shelving units to the wall, make sure they are not overloaded.* Always store heavier items closest to the ground. * Use a sturdy step stool with hand rails when climbing is necessary. * Organize all items in designated, easy-to-reach places.* Keep floors and steps clear of clutter and immediately clean up grease and spills.* Keep children's toys in one area and within their reach to prevent children from exploring potentially dangerous areas. * Supervise young children when they are in the garage.* Use bright lights at the top and bottom of stairs. * Make sure your garage is well lit. Use the maximum safe wattage in light fixtures. (Maximum wattage is typically posted inside light fixtures.) * Install secure handrails or banisters on both sides that extend the entire length of the stairs.* Clean garage of dust, webs and trash, which can interfere with the electrical system.* When purchasing or remodeling a home with a garage, ensure that the door is equipped with an auto-reverse feature. Test the garage door safety device by placing a paper towel roll beneath the door as it closes. If the door opens quickly, then your family and pets will be protected from bodily entrapment. To learn more about how to keep your garage safe for your family, visit www.garagesafety.info or www.homesafetycouncil.org. About the Home Safety CouncilThe Home Safety Council (HSC) is the only national non-profit organization solely dedicated to preventing home related injuries that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year. Through national programs, partnerships and the support of volunteers, HSC educates people of all ages to be safer in and around their homes. The Home Safety Council is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization located in Washington, DC. About GarageTekGarageTek is the nation's premier garage organization and storage system. Its unique system provides customers with professionally designed and installed garage organization solutions made from its proprietary product called TekPanel which is the backbone of the system and makes every inch of the garage interior ready for interchangeable accessories, including: cabinets and shelves, activity racks, workbenches and mobile tool units, baskets and brackets, ceiling solutions and lighting. With GarageTek's custom tile flooring, the garage becomes a fully functional and well appointed room from the floor to the walls and ceiling. GarageTek's product line is weatherproof, UL Listed, fire-rated and backed by a 10-year warranty. GarageTek has transformed thousands of American garages since it was incorporated in January 2000. GarageTek operates franchises in 67 markets and 34 states from coast to coast. GarageTek is a supporter of the Home Safety Council. In addition, GarageTek is the exclusive garage sponsor of the National Association of Professional Organizers' Get Organized month, as well as a member of the National Association of Home Builders and the International Franchise Association. For more information about GarageTek, log onto: www.garagetek.com. |
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