It’s not until after you adopt the dog or the baby is suddenly toddling that you start to seek out garage safety tips. Meanwhile, the garage holds chemicals, sharp tools, ladders, and heavy boxes right where kids and pets can’t wait to explore.
The good news is that getting serious about garage safety isn’t difficult. It just means developing a few smart habits, getting some lockable garage cabinets, and refining your layout. You can turn that “DO NOT TOUCH” zone into a safer, more organized space in no time. What a relief! Below, we’ll discuss some simple, practical steps to protect your kids, your pets, and your peace of mind.
If you’re ready to get started, Armadillo Tough has more than garage safety tips. We also have sturdy, safe lockable cabinets and ceiling racks (among other awesome garage storage ideas). Plug your dimensions and needs into our free Design Studio form and a designer will send you some layout options!
What Are the Biggest Hazards to Kids & Pets in the Garage?
Before we jump into our garage safety tips, let’s start by acknowledging some of the biggest hazards. Common risks include:
- Chemicals & Fuels: paints, solvents, antifreeze, gasoline, pesticides
- Tools & Equipment: saws, drills, lawn tools, loose blades, utility knives
- Small Parts & Hardware: nails, screws, razor blades, zip ties
- Fall Hazards: ladders, stacked boxes, loose cords
- Heavy Items: totes, coolers, storage bins that can tip onto your precious child or pet
Basically, if a child could swallow it, spill it, cut themselves on it, or pull it down, it needs a safer spot.
Step 1: Do a Quick Garage Safety Audit
Walk the garage at kid (or pet) level. Literally crouch down and look around. Try to see what they see, the way they see it. Anything sharp, toxic, or heavy that you can see from that height is a problem.
Make three quick lists:
- Must be locked up
- Must be stored high
- Can stay low but needs better organization
This is also a good time to gather clearly safe and often used items, like tennis balls and sidewalk chalk, into one family-friendly spot.
Step 2: Create Clear Zones
Zoning your garage is one of the simplest garage storage ideas that also helps with safety. Aim for three basic zones:
- Kid- & Pet-Friendly Zone: bikes, balls, outdoor toys, safe sports gear
- Adult Work Zone: tools, workbench, yard equipment, project supplies
- Deep Storage Zone: seasonal decor, camping gear, bulky items
Keep walkways clear and avoid mixing zones. Things tend to get sketchy when your child has to dig through tools to get to their toys or when their favorite things are stored too high. If you have cabinets and racks now, you can assign each to a zone instead of letting everything blend together.
Need help with your layout? Use the free Armadillo Tough Design Studio. You send in measurements and photos, and a designer will map out different options for cabinet runs and racks that keep hazards locked up and out of reach.
Step 3: Lock Up the Dangerous Stuff
Anything toxic, sharp, or tempting needs to be behind lock and key, not just up on a high shelf. This is where lockable garage cabinets do the heavy lifting.
Priority items to lock up:
- Automotive fluids, pesticides, fertilizers, fuel, cleaning chemicals
- Power tools, saw blades, drill bits, hand tools
- Spray paints, solvents, wood stains, epoxy, adhesives
Keep the key high on a hook or in a spot only adults can access.
Here are a few Armadillo Tough storage options that keep hazards locked up and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty:
- Tall Lockable Garage Gear Lockers for chemicals & household cleaners
- Wall-Mounted Lockable Garage Cabinets or Gear Locker Extenders above the workbench or locker for tools & small power equipment
- Lockable Tool Cabinets or Storage Cabinets with lockable drawers & doors for sharp hand tools & bits
Read More: Is It Cheaper To Build or Buy Garage Cabinets?
Step 4: Keep Hazards Out of Reach
Height is your friend. If kids and pets can't reach it, they can't open it, spill it, or drop it!
Some quick guidelines:
- Store all chemicals at or above adult eye level, never on open lower shelves
- Keep power tools in upper cabinets or securely mounted on wall panels above kid reach
- Use overhead racks for heavy, rarely used items
Armadillo Tough SkyRack overhead storage keeps totes, coolers, and seasonal gear high and secure rather than stacked where a child could pull them over.
Step 5: Anchor or Secure Cabinets, Shelves & Racks
Cabinets, shelves, and racks can be dangerous if they tip or fall. Kids climb. Pets weave around and behind things. A tall cabinet, shelf, or rack that isn't anchored could fall and cause serious injuries.
Keep your setup safer by:
- Anchoring free-standing cabinets & racks to wall studs with appropriate hardware
- Making sure wall-mounted cabinets & shelves are secured into studs or appropriate anchors, not just drywall
- Installing ceiling racks into joists & staying within the weight limit
Once everything's installed, give it a shake. If anything rocks, wobbles, or feels loose, tighten the hardware or add additional anchors. Plan to recheck your anchors every so often to make sure they’re still safe.
Step 6: Add Locks, Labels & Instill Safety Habits
Adding locks will do a lot of the work, but there’s more. Simple additions:
- Add child-resistant locks to any cabinet that might hold hazards & doesn’t already have one installed
- Label cabinets clearly so adults know where chemicals & tools belong
- Use lidded bins for any small parts stored inside cabinets
Daily habits:
- Unplug tools & wrap cords when you finish
- Put chemicals back in the cabinet & lock it every time
- Pick up loose screws, nails & zip ties from the floor
Keep Up the Good Work: Maintenance Tips
Childproofing isn't a one-time job. As children grow, potential hazards will change. Build in a quick monthly check:
- Check that shelves & cabinets are secure & properly anchored
- Move any hazards left out back into locked storage
- Check caps on liquids for leaks & sticky residue
- Verify locks still work smoothly & that keys are in a safe spot
- Adjust storage as kids become able to reach higher
A five-minute reset once a month helps keep your system working, rather than slowly sliding back into chaos and danger.
Why Childproofing Your Garage Is Worth the Effort
A safer garage does more than prevent accidents. It gives you:
- Peace of mind when kids run in to grab a ball or scooter
- Fewer spills & broken tools
- A more organized, efficient workspace for the adults in the house
- A garage that feels like part of your home, not a danger zone you keep the door closed on
You're not just tidying. You're removing real risks.
Final Thoughts: How Armadillo Tough Makes Garage Safety Easier
Armadillo Tough garage storage solutions are built for real families. A welded internal steel skeleton keeps each cabinet strong and solid, while lockable doors, sturdy shelves, and overhead storage make it easier to keep chemicals, tools, and heavy gear high, secure, and out of reach.
Childproofing your garage gets a lot easier with Armadillo Tough. If you’ve been putting these garage safety tips to use and realize you need some new racks, cabinets, or shelves, try our free Design Studio. You’ll get expert assistance from a designer at no cost and without the hassle. And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 888.350.7306 or use the handy chat box below.