Many house fires are avoidable. However, improper storage of gasoline and other flammable chemicals can lead to devastating blazes. Rather than having to call professional fire damage restoration companies to get you back on your feet, follow these tips to keep your home safe from fires this summer.
Sometimes as you go through a product, it can be tempting to consolidate the solution or move it to an alternative container to free up storage space. However, when it comes to flammable materials, this is ill-advised. Always store these products in their proper containers. You should never use household storage options (such as a milk jug, Tupperware, old cans, or other items) for your flammables. Any household combustibles should be stored in Factory Mutual (FM)-certified safety containers to mitigate the volatility.
The place where you keep your flammables is just as important as the container in which they are stored. It is not uncommon for homeowners to keep these solutions in the garage, basement, laundry room, or even under the sink. However, this can have deadly repercussions.
Store flammable liquids in a well-ventilated spot that is not attached to your main living area. Avoid keeping flammables near equipment that could cause a spark, or near an open flame. This means that these items should be kept away from your car, cigarettes, washers and dryers, HVAC systems, hot water heaters, and electrical power tools.
You never want to keep flammables in an area with high heat, indoors or out. As such, these products should not be left in direct sunlight. One solution is to build a storage cabinet, or purchase a flammable liquid locker.
One key component of knowing how to store flammable materials at home is keeping them out of reach. You don’t want these solutions falling into the wrong hands. Curious children and pets could easily be injured or poisoned if you do not take the proper precautions. The aforementioned storage solutions can be the needed buffer to prevent tragedy.