Garage Door safety tips: protecting your family and property
Garage Door Safety Tips: Safeguarding Your Family and Securing Your Property
Garage doors are not only convenient for accessing your vehicle and saving household items, but they also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of your home. However, garage doors can present potential risks if not operated and maintained correctly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 30,000 injuries related to garage doors occur annually.
To keep your family and property safe and secure it’s essential to follow some of these garage door safety tips that we share with you.
- Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Garage Door: Performing regular inspections and maintenance on your garage door is one of the most effective ways to ensure its safe operation. Start by visually inspecting the garage door for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, damaged rollers, or loose bolts. Test the door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway. If the door does not stay in place, it may be unbalanced and require professional attention. Additionally, lubricate all moving parts, including hinges, rollers, and tracks, to keep them running smoothly.
- Educate Your Family on Garage Door Safety: It’s essential to educate all members of your family, including children, about garage door safety. Make sure they understand that garage doors are not toys and should never be played with or climbed on. Explain the dangers of standing or walking under a moving garage door, and emphasize the importance of keeping their fingers and hands away from the door’s moving parts. If you have a garage door opener with a keypad, teach your family the proper code and emphasize that it should not be shared with anyone outside the household.
- Never Leave Your Garage Door Partially Open: Leaving your garage door partially open, also known as “cracking” or “ventilating,” is not only a security risk but also an unsafety danger. Partially opened garage doors can be easily accessed by intruders, allowing them to gain entry to your home. Moreover, garage doors are not designed to be left partially open and may not function properly in this position. Always close your garage door fully, and never leave it partially open, especially when you’re not at home.
- Keep Your Garage Door Opener Secure: Garage door openers are convenient and provide easy access to your home, but they can also present a security risk if not properly secured. Keep your garage door opener remote out of sight and avoid leaving it in your vehicle, as thieves can easily break into your car and gain access to your home. Consider using a keychain remote or a smart garage door opener that can be controlled through your smartphone for added security.
- Test Your Garage Door Safety Features: Most modern garage doors are equipped with safety features, such as photoelectric sensors and auto-reverse mechanisms, designed to prevent accidents. It’s crucial to regularly test these safety features to ensure they are functioning correctly. To test the photoelectric sensors, place an object, such as a broomstick, in the door’s path and attempt to close the door. If the sensors are working correctly, the door should automatically reverse. For the auto-reverse mechanism, place a small object, like a block of wood, in the door’s path and attempt to close it. If the door reverses when it touches the object, the auto-reverse mechanism is functioning properly.