Atlantic Mutual Says Garage Injuries Avoidable

Homeowners should avoid the “toxic garage” — and use spring cleaning as an opportunity to make sure their garage is as safe as possible, advised an expert from Atlantic Mutual.

That’s one of the tips in the company’s free “SafetyWise” newsletter, which offers practical ways for individuals to protect their family, home, and other valuable assets. The newsletter is available through the independent insurance agents who represent Atlantic Mutual and on the company’s Web site: http://www.atlanticmutual.com/ .

Bill Bernecker, Atlantic Mutual’s vice president of claims, noted that 10 million emergency room visits each year in the U.S. result from unintentional injuries at home, according to Home Safety Council estimates. “Many injuries and losses to the home occur in the garage,” Bernecker pointed out.

“Our advice: Conduct a safety sweep while you’re doing your spring cleaning — especially in the garage.” Many fluids stored in garages — paint, gas, anti-freeze, fertilizer — can do harm as well as good. They can poison, burn or blind a child or pet. They can ignite and burn down the house. They can leak and damage the environment.

Atlantic Mutual’s spring newsletter includes tips on garage safety as well as other safety and asset protection ideas.