Garage Door Safety Tips Every Family Should Know
2023-12-28 5 min read Mike Johnson
<p>Garage doors are the largest moving object in most homes, and while they're designed with safety in mind, they can pose risks if not used properly. Every year, garage doors are involved in injuries to children and adults alike. By understanding potential hazards and following safety best practices, you can protect your family and enjoy the convenience of your garage door with peace of mind.</p>
<h2>Teach Children About Garage Door Safety</h2> <p>Children are naturally curious, which can put them at risk around garage doors. Teach your kids these important safety rules: Never stand, walk, or run under a moving garage door. Keep fingers away from door sections.the gaps between panels can pinch when the door moves. Never play with the wall button or remotes. Stay away from the springs and cables.they're under high tension. The garage door is not a toy, and the button is not a plaything. Make sure children understand these rules and supervise young children in the garage.</p>
<h2>Test Safety Features Monthly</h2> <p>Modern garage door openers include important safety features that require regular testing. The auto-reverse mechanism causes the door to reverse if it hits an obstacle. Test it monthly by placing a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the door's path. When the door touches the board, it should immediately reverse. If it doesn't, have the opener serviced. Also test the photo-eye sensors by closing the door and breaking the beam with your hand.the door should reverse. Clean the sensors regularly, as dust can interfere with their operation.</p>
<h2>Keep the Opener Remote Secure</h2> <p>Your garage door remote is essentially a key to your home. Don't leave it in plain sight in your car, where a thief could easily grab it during a break-in. Consider using a keychain remote that you take with you. If you use a code on your wall button or wireless keypad, change it periodically and avoid obvious codes like your address or birthday. Newer smart openers allow you to revoke access remotely, which is helpful if a remote is lost or stolen.</p>
<h2>Never Try to Repair Springs Yourself</h2> <p>Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if they break or are improperly handled. The same goes for the cables connected to the springs. If you notice a broken spring, stretched cable, or any issue with the spring system, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Keep the garage door closed and call a professional immediately. This is not a DIY project under any circumstances.</p>
<h2>Maintain Visual Contact</h2> <p>When operating your garage door, always maintain visual contact with it until it's completely open or closed. Never try to rush under a closing door. If you're leaving, wait until the door is fully closed before driving away. If you're entering, wait until the door is fully open before proceeding. This simple habit prevents accidents and allows you to notice any problems with the door's operation.</p>
<h2>Keep the Area Clear</h2> <p>Maintain a clear area around your garage door. Don't store items too close to the door tracks or in the path of the door's travel. Make sure the photo-eye sensors are not blocked by items stored in the garage. Keep the area under the door clear to prevent the door from hitting objects or people. Good housekeeping in the garage is a simple but effective safety measure.</p>
<h2>Schedule Regular Maintenance</h2> <p>Regular professional maintenance is one of the best things you can do for garage door safety. A trained technician can identify worn or failing parts before they become dangerous, test and adjust safety features, and ensure everything is operating correctly. Annual maintenance is a small investment that pays dividends in safety and reliability.</p>
<p>Concerned about your garage door's safety? Contact Garage Door Rancho Palos Verdes for a safety inspection and maintenance service. Our technicians will ensure your door meets current safety standards and is operating properly to protect your family.</p>