Garage Door Safety Tips for Families

Garage doors are an essential partof modern homes for convenience and security. Still, they can be hazardous,especially to families with children. Here are some safety tips to help youhave a safe garage door while keeping your loved ones safe.

1. Educate Your Family About GarageDoor Safety

First of all, it is necessary toeducate everybody in your home. Teach children that a garage door is not a toy.Explain to them how dangerous it is to play near or under an open garage doorand encourage them not to hang on the door or its parts.

2. Regularly Test the Auto-ReverseFeature

New garage doors have anauto-reverse feature that prevents accidents should the door come into contactwith something while closing. Test this feature by placing something solid,such as a block of wood, on the ground under the garage door. If the door doesn'tgo back up when it comes into contact, call a professional technicianimmediately for repair or replacement.

3. Keep Remote Controls Out of Reach

Garage door remote controls shouldbe kept in a safe place, out of the reach of children. This will help avoidaccidental operation and unauthorized use.

4. Regularly Inspect

Inspect your garage door systemmonthly. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, loose bolts,or rusted springs. If you notice any issues, refrain from attempting DIYrepairs. Garage doors operate under high tension, and improper handling cancause severe injuries. Always hire a professional technician for maintenance orrepairs.

5. Keep Fingers Away from DoorSections

Garage doors have several sectionsthat can pinch fingers when the door is in motion. Remind family members,especially children, to keep their hands away from the panels while the door isopening or closing.

6. Install Safety Sensors

Safety sensors, which are usuallylocated at the bottom of the door track, can detect objects or people in thepath of the door. These should be properly aligned and free of dust and dirt.If the sensors are not working, seek maintenance immediately.

7. Lock the Garage Door When Not inUse

To prevent unauthorized access, lockyour garage door, especially when you’re away. Many garage door systems alsohave vacation lock modes, which disable remote controls for added security.

8. Avoid Manually Operating BrokenDoors

If your garage door malfunctions orgets stuck, avoid attempting to lift it manually. A damaged door can collapseunexpectedly, causing injuries. Call a professional to assess and fix theproblem.

9. Ensure Adequate Lighting

Install proper lighting in andaround your garage. Good lighting increases visibility, thereby minimizingaccidents and preventing any break-ins.

10. Arrange Professional MaintenanceAnnually

Professional routine maintenancewill make sure all the parts that keep up your garage door system-from springsand tracks to openers-perform optimally. This proactive approach minimizesrisks and extends the life cycle of your garage door.

By taking these precautions, youwill keep your environment safe for your family and ensure that the garage doorfunctions well.