Is your garage a fire hazard? Tips to help improve the safety of your garage.

22/04/2024

Garages are often used for all sorts of things besides parking the car. There’s the workshop, filled with power tools and DIY supplies. There's the laundry, with the washer and/or dryer, switched on and left to run. The storage facility, with boxes of stuff sitting on worn out furniture and garden equipment. Then there’s the room conversion with a work-from-home office space or rumpus room for socialising. No matter how you use it, we've got a few tips to help you improve the safety of your garage.

Major fire claims can start in the garage and spread to the family home, resulting in a total loss of the house and belongings. There are a few things you can do to improve the safety of your garage:

When you’ve finished using appliances, turn them off at the wall and unplug them.
If you’re charging an item with a lithium-ion battery in your garage, like an e-bike or e-scooter, be sure to use the original battery charger supplied with the product, and don’t leave it to overcharge. It’s a good idea to charge items in a well-ventilated space, away from sources of heat or moisture, direct sunlight and flammable objects and liquids.
Don’t overload plugs or multi-boards, and don’t cover them as they may overheat.
Have an electrician check your wiring, particularly if it’s old, and add additional power outlets if you need them.
Declutter your garage or storage shed, not only to remove excess items that burn easily like old clothes, books and paint, but to also give you quicker outdoor access if you need to get out in a hurry. We've shared some ideas to help you get started.
If you haven't got heat alarms in your garage, buy and install them as soon as you can; they are used where smoke alarms could mistakenly activate such as in kitchens, laundry rooms and garages. No matter the type of alarm you install, it's important to test them regularly to ensure they operate effectively.
Get a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it. If you already have one, check it each year to make sure it’s in good working order.
If you’ve added new items to your garage or shed or made some renovations, check you have enough insurance cover. We have a few online calculators to help you work out the value of your home and contents.

You can find more information on home fire safety on the Fire and Emergency NZ's website.

Any questions?

Now’s a great time to review your insurance. We recommend checking your details are up to date and ensuring the policy and cover you’ve chosen is right for you and your insurance needs.

If you have any questions about your insurance, need to update your AA Insurance policies or would like a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re open from 8am to 8pm weekdays and from 8am to 6pm weekends and public holidays.

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