The Real Estate Browser Volume 8, Issue 14 | Page 6

6 — Say you saw it in The Real Estate Browser of Lynchburg — Volume 8 Number 14
www.LynchburgRealEstateBrowser.com
The Garage and Safety
By Drew Howard , President, HomePro, Inc.
More than 70% of homeown-
ers with attached garages use
with an object over 6 inches tall and press the
garage door opener’s close button. The door
the garage as the main point to the house. should not close. Lay an object that is at least
Since garages are major hub of activity safety 1.5 inches high on the ground in the door’s
should be an important focus. With winter path and press the garage door’s close button.
fast approaching it is easy to bring everything The door should reverse off the object.
to the garage and store it away for the months
ahead. Now is a great time to organize the
garage, and inspect the overall safety of the
components. If you have electrical panel
boxes in the garage make sure that you have
proper clearance to open the panels if an
emergency were to arise, or if you have to cut
a breaker on or off. If you have a gas fired
appliances in the garage make sure you do
not store paints, gasoline, or any other flam-
mable liquid. If there is a washer and dryer
If the door motor has burned out light
bulbs now is a great time to replace them.
Be careful and read the maximum watt bulb
allowed for the door motor. Inspect the chain
for looseness, and also if it needs to be lubri-
cated. I also recommend checking the cables
and tracking for proper security. If you are
unsure, or if something looks unsafe call a
professional. The garage is an important part
of the home. If you have a large vehicle and
located in the garage make sure the dryer parking is tight you can always use the string
is venting properly. You want to make sure and tennis ball to mark the stopping point.
that the passage door to the living side of the Never start your car with the garage door in
home is a fire rated door or a solid 3/4” wood the closed position. Fumes can accumulate
door. The door should be solid with no glass quickly. The next free day you have take an
in the door. You will want to inspect the door hour or two and do a safety check up. The
opener and the overall condition of the door. garage is the first and last thing you see in the
Any opener installed after 1993 will have laser house every day. If you have any questions
photo eyes. They should be no more than about your home please give me a call (434)
6 inches off the floor. Block the photo eye 660-3449.