How a Storage Shed Can Save Lives (No, Seriously)

You may have heard that a storage shed can be a “life saver”, but did you know that sheds can save lives… literally? Now before you think I’m exaggerating, hear me out.

Preventable-injury-related deaths occur overwhelmingly at home. From poisonings to fires, accidents are an unfortunate risk that any responsible homeowner should take measures to avoid. The cause of many of these incidents can be traced back to improper storage of hazardous materials. Here’s where a storage shed can help.

Prevent poisonings

According to data from the National Safety Council, poisonings are the leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death for all ages combined. Since you can’t teach a small child or pet not to ingest poisonous items, the best way to ensure their safety is to properly store poisons.

Where better to store toxic substances than locked inside your storage shed? Cabinets, drawers, and doors containing poisons are bound to be left open sometimes within your home. Take inventory of your basement or garage and consider moving the following items into an outdoor shed:

• Fertilizer
• Antifreeze
• Herbicides
• Creosote
• Waterproofing sprays
• Rodenticides
• Slug bait
• Fuel

Reduce fires

Stop fires before they start by keeping flammable materials out of reach. The National Safety Council found that fire is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death over all ages. In fact, about 2,646 deaths were caused by burns and injuries related to fire in 2015.

Gasoline – an all-too-common culprit – should be kept far away from heat-related appliances like a hot water heater or furnace. Storing gasoline outside of your home and inside an outdoor shed is a good way to ensure it will never come in contact with a flame.

Lock up potentially dangerous tools

Sharp and heavy tools can be dangerous if accidentally turned on or tipped over. Keeping tools in a storage shed makes them accessible and convenient for you, but also secure from others. Here are some tools you may want to consider relocating to your shed:

• Chainsaw
• Sander
• Hedge trimmer
• Ax
• Jigsaw
• Lathe
• Nail gun
• Belt sander
• Alligator shear
• Table saw
• Weed wacker
• Angle grinder
• Lawn mower
• Bandsaw

After use, wiping tool blades with wax or oil before returning them to your shed will help prevent rust. Removing batteries from power tools is also a good idea. For ideas on how to organize tools inside your shed, see our post Organization & Storage Ideas For Your Storage Shed.

Limit your liability

Even if your household doesn’t include a child or pet, there’s always a chance one will end up on your property. Do you host family get togethers? How about your neighbors? Unless your house has a stone wall and moat out front, anyone could wander into your yard.

In addition to the tragedy surrounding an accident, you could be held liable. “Premises liability” holds residents and property owners responsible for accidents that occur on their property. Unwelcome trespassers can even successfully sue for injuries on your property if hazards are left out and about.

See, I told you I wasn’t exaggerating. Keeping toxic, flammable, and other potentially dangerous items under lock and key is the best way to prevent accidents. Let’s customize your new storage shed today and save lives together!