Keep Your Family and Home Safe
Your garage door is something you use almost every day and its safety is very important. Not too many people think about their garage door safety. A poorly maintained garage door can lead to accidents, so taking a few precautions makes sense and it can help keep your family and property safe.
Here are some simple tips to make sure your garage door operates safely.
1. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
You might now be aware but most garage doors are equipped with an auto-reverse feature that makes the door stop and reverse if it hits an object.
Go ahead and test this:
- Place a solid object, like a wooden block, on the ground where the door closes.
- Close the door using the opener.
If the door doesn’t reverse immediately upon hitting the object, it’s time to call a professional to inspect and fix it.
2. Keep the Door Balanced
It sounds a bit strange but some garage doors are not balanced, it might not be so bad that you can see it right away but it needs to be checked to make sure it’s in good shape. An unbalanced garage door can cause extra wear on the opener and make it harder to operate and probably get worse with time.
To check the balance:
- Disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle.
- Manually lift the door halfway up and let go.
If the door doesn’t stay in place, it might be out of balance and need adjustment by a technician.
3. Inspect and Maintain Hardware
Garage doors have many moving parts, such as springs, cables, and rollers. Over time, these can wear out or break.
Regularly inspect:
- Springs and cables: Look for signs of rust, fraying, or damage. Never try to fix them yourself as they are under high tension and can be dangerous.
- Rollers: Check for cracks or excessive wear.
- Bolts and hinges: Tighten any that seem loose.
4. Keep Remote Controls Out of Reach
Where do you store your garage door remote controller?
If you have kids, make sure garage door remotes are stored in a safe place. There is no need to tantalize the children by playing with the garage door. It could end up badly.
Teach your kids that the garage door isn’t a toy or a source of entertainment. Climbing on it, running under it while it’s moving, or hanging from it can lead to serious injuries.
5. Schedule Professional Inspections
It is highly recommended that at least once a year, you would have a professional inspect your garage door and opener. They can spot issues you might not notice, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
6. Clear the Door’s Path
Always make sure nothing is blocking the path of the garage door. Items like bikes, toys, or tools can get in the way and cause damage or accidents. This is a no brainer and most of us are pretty good at it.
7. Update Your Opener
If your garage door opener is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a newer model. Modern openers come with safety features like rolling code technology, which prevents code theft and enhances security. So why not? It will pay off in the long run.
8. Watch and Listen
Be alert and pay attention every time you use the garage door. If you notice:
- unusual noises,
- jerky movements, or
- if the door doesn’t open and close as smoothly as it used to,
it might be time for maintenance.
9. Use Emergency Features Wisely
Did you know garage doors have emergency release cords? It is usually a red handle.
Make sure you know how to use it in case you need to operate the door manually, like during a power outage. If you are not sure how to use it simply ask your service person next time you see it or even a friend or neighbour who might be more familiar with this.
10. Garage Door Safety for Pet Owners
Pets are curious and sometimes we don’t realize they are into mischief. They can easily get into trouble around a garage door.
Here are some tips to keep them safe:
- Keep pets away from the garage door when it’s in motion: Pets might run under the door or try to investigate, which can lead to injuries.
- Check the auto-reverse regularly: This feature is crucial to prevent the door from closing on a pet that might wander into its path.
- Secure cords and cables: Make sure any loose cords are out of reach of pets, as they might chew on them.
- Create a safe space: If your pet spends time in the garage, ensure they have a designated area far from the garage door and its moving parts.
- Supervise pets in the garage: Never leave pets unattended in the garage, especially if the door might be used.
Final Thoughts
By following these garage door safety tips, you can keep your garage door running safely and protect your family and pets from avoidable accidents. If you’re unsure about any part of your garage door’s maintenance or safety, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help. A little attention goes a long way in keeping everyone safe!
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