Garage Door Safety Tips Every Family Should Know
2023-12-10 6 min read Tom Anderson
<p>Garage doors are marvels of engineering, but they're also among the heaviest moving objects in your home. Weighing between 150 and 400 pounds, a garage door demands respect. Each year, thousands of injuries occur due to garage door accidents, many of which are preventable. Here's what every family needs to know about garage door safety.</p>
<h2>Teach Children About Garage Door Safety</h2> <p>Children are naturally curious, which can lead to dangerous situations around garage doors. Make sure your kids understand these rules: never play near or under a moving garage door, keep fingers away from door sections where they can get pinched, never touch or play with the wall button or remotes, always wait for the door to close completely, and never try to race under a closing door. Consider mounting the wall button at least 5 feet high, out of reach of young children.</p>
<h2>Maintain Your Photo-Eye Sensors</h2> <p>Photo-eye sensors are your first line of defense against door-related injuries. These devices detect objects in the door's path and reverse the door before contact. Test them monthly by placing an object like a cardboard box in the door's path. The door should reverse immediately. If not, schedule a <a href="/services#repair">garage door repair</a> right away.</p>
<h2>Test the Auto-Reverse Feature</h2> <p>In addition to photo-eye sensors, your door should have a mechanical auto-reverse feature. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground where the door closes. When the door touches the wood, it should reverse immediately. If it doesn't, your <a href="/services#opener">opener</a> needs adjustment or repair.</p>
<h2>Secure Your Remote Controls</h2> <p>Treat your garage door remote like a house key. Don't leave it visible in your car, where it could be stolen. Consider using a keychain remote instead of the clipped visor model. Better yet, upgrade to a <a href="/blog/benefits-smart-garage-door-openers">smartphone-controlled smart opener</a> that eliminates the need for physical remotes.</p>
<h2>Regular Maintenance Prevents Accidents</h2> <p>A well-maintained garage door is a safer garage door. Schedule annual professional inspections to ensure springs, cables, and other components are in good condition. Check out our complete guide to <a href="/blog/garage-door-maintenance-tips">garage door maintenance</a> for tips you can do yourself between professional visits.</p>
<h2>Know How to Use the Emergency Release</h2> <p>Every garage door opener has an emergency release cord, typically a red handle hanging from the opener rail. In case of power outage or opener failure, pulling this cord disconnects the door from the opener, allowing manual operation. Make sure all family members know where it is and how to use it safely.</p>
<h2>Stay Away from Springs and Cables</h2> <p>Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if they break or are mishandled. Never attempt to adjust or repair springs yourself. If you notice a broken spring or frayed cable, stop using the door immediately and call for <a href="/services#emergency">emergency garage door service</a>.</p>
<h2>When in Doubt, Call the Experts</h2> <p>If anything about your garage door seems unsafe or isn't working properly, don't wait. At Garage Door Saint Cloud, your family's safety is our priority throughout <a href="/service-areas/saint-cloud">Saint Cloud</a>, <a href="/service-areas/kissimmee">Kissimmee</a>, and all of <a href="/service-areas">Central Florida</a>. <a href="/contact">Contact us</a> or call <a href="tel:689-223-7700">689-223-7700</a> for professional inspection and repair services.</p>