Hazardous materials are more common than most of us think. A half-used can of paint. Weed killer. The spare propane cylinder for the grill. Gasoline for the mower. Bleach under the sink. Stored wrong, these everyday items can create real risk.
At The Sterling Insurance Group, we regularly help Dallas-area homeowners in Plano, McKinney, Allen, Celina, Prosper, and Richardson prevent small mistakes from turning into big problems. The goal is simple: keep your home safe, avoid injuries, and protect your insurance coverage. We have a helpful, practical guide you can use today.
What counts as “hazardous” at home?
Hazardous materials are products that are flammable, corrosive, explosive, toxic, or reactive. Around the house, that often means:
- Paints, thinners, and solvents
- Gasoline and motor oil
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Propane or butane cylinders
- Cleaners with bleach or ammonia
- Pool chemicals and chlorine tablets
- Batteries, especially lithium-ion
Why storage matters in North Texas
Summer heat is no joke. A closed shed or garage in Plano or McKinney can reach dangerous temperatures. Add poor ventilation, humidity, or a pilot light nearby and you have the ingredients for fire, fumes, or chemical reactions. Improper storage can also lead to denied claims if it’s considered negligent.
Step 1: Take inventory
Do a quick walk-through of your home, garage, and shed. Write down what you have and where it sits.
Look for:
- Expired products or mystery containers
- Faded or missing labels
- Leaks, bulging cans, rust, or crusted lids
- Items parked near heat, sparks, or flames
Identifying problems early is half the work.
Step 2: Read the label (every time)
Labels tell you how to store, separate, and handle the product. Scan for words like flammable, combustible, corrosive, toxic, or reactive. Make a note of the following key points:
- Recommended temperature range
- Ventilation needs
- What the product should not be stored near
- Emergency actions for spills or exposure
Step 3: Use the right container and label it clearly
Original containers are best because they’re built for the chemical and include safety info. If you must transfer product:
- Choose a container compatible with the chemical
- Mark the name, date opened, and hazard type
- Never use food or drink containers
Quick tip: use color dots or tape (red = flammable, yellow = corrosive, blue = toxic) for instant recognition.
Step 4: Pick a safe location
Where you store items matters as much as how.
Outdoor sheds
- Ventilated to prevent fume buildup
- Out of direct sun; shade reduces temperature spikes
- Off the floor on shelves or pallets to avoid water intrusion
- Weather-resistant to deter leaks and pests
Garages
- Keep well away from water heaters, furnaces, and appliances with pilot lights
- Use metal or fire-rated cabinets for flammables if you can
- Do not stack containers high where they can fall
- Prefer walls with access to fresh air or a window
Inside the home
- Avoid damp rooms like bathrooms and laundry areas
- Lock supplies in cabinets away from kids and pets
- Use childproof latches where needed
Never store flammables near an open flame, space heater, or any ignition source.
Step 5: Separate incompatibles
Some chemicals cannot share the same shelf.
- Bleach + ammonia = toxic gas
- Acids + bases = violent reaction
- Fuels + oxidizers = fire risk
Create simple zones: flammables together, corrosives together, toxics together—each on its own shelf or in its own bin.
Step 6: Maintain the area
Storage is not “set it and forget it.” Put a 10-minute check on your monthly calendar.
Monthly checklist:
- Inspect for rust, swelling, or leaks
- Re-label anything that’s fading
- Wipe up residue and keep lids clean
- Verify vents or fans work
- Check fire extinguisher gauges and dates
In peak heat (July through September), glance at your shed or garage more often.
Step 7: Dispose of old or expired products the right way
Do not pour chemicals down a drain, on the lawn, or into a storm inlet. Instead:
- Look up household hazardous waste (HHW) guidance for your city in the Dallas area (Plano, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, Prosper, or Celina). Many offer drop-off sites or scheduled collection events.
- Ask retailers about take-back programs for paint, batteries, and electronics.
- Keep products in original containers for drop-off when possible.
When in doubt, call your city’s public works or environmental services for instructions.
Insurance angles: are you covered?
If hazardous materials are stored improperly and cause damage, a homeowners claim can be limited or denied. Most policies exclude losses tied to negligence. Storing gasoline next to a water heater is a common example of what not to do.
Ask your agent about:
- Coverage for fire or explosion events
- Detached structures (sheds and workshops)
- Limited pollution or cleanup endorsements where available
We can review your policy and flag gaps before they become expensive.
If you have kids or pets
A few extra steps go a long way.
For kids
- Lock cabinets and store at adult eye level or higher
- Teach teens to recognize hazard words and pictograms
- Keep product manuals or labels handy
For pets
- Keep fertilizers, rodent bait, and antifreeze locked up
- Store chemicals far from food and water bowls
- Use covered trash cans so soaked rags and empty containers stay out of reach
Be ready for “just in case”
Build a small response kit and keep it where you store chemicals.
Include:
- First-aid supplies, gloves, and eye protection
- Baking soda for acid spills
- White vinegar for alkaline spills
- A multi-purpose fire extinguisher rated for chemical fires
- A printed list of emergency phone numbers
Poison Control (U.S.): 1-800-222-1222
Make safety a habit
Safe storage is about more than avoiding a claim. It protects your family, your health, your neighbors, and your investment in your home. Set up the space once, maintain it briefly each month, and you’ll stay ahead of the Texas heat and day-to-day hazards.
Live in the Dallas suburbs? We can help.
If you are in Plano, McKinney, Allen, Celina, Prosper, or Richardson, The Sterling Insurance Group will review your homeowners policy, talk through shed and garage storage, and make sure your coverage aligns with how you actually live.
Call The Sterling Insurance Group today.
Phone: (972) 964-4825
Website: https://www.sterlinginsnow.com
We will help you keep your home safe both inside and out.