Top 7 Garage Door Safety Tips for Preventing Accidents and Injuries
Garage doors play a vital role in our daily lives, providing convenience and security for our homes. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety when it comes to these heavy and powerful moving objects. Every year, thousands of accidents and injuries occur due to garage door malfunctions or negligence. To prevent such incidents, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take proactive measures to ensure garage door safety. Let’s discuss some valuable tips to help you prevent accidents and injuries related to garage doors.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections are the foundation of garage door safety. Schedule routine inspections by a professional to identify any issues with your garage door system. A thorough inspection includes checking the springs, cables, rollers, hinges, tracks, and opener. These components can wear out over time and may require lubrication or replacement. By keeping your garage door well-maintained, you can reduce the risk of accidents caused by faulty mechanisms.
Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
Modern garage doors are equipped with an auto-reverse feature, which ensures that the door automatically stops and reverses if it encounters an obstruction. To test this feature, place a solid object (like a wooden plank) on the ground where the door closes. Close the door using the opener or the wall-mounted button. If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact with the object, it indicates a malfunction. In such cases, consult a professional technician to repair the auto-reverse feature immediately.
Educate Family Members
Garage door safety is a shared responsibility. Make sure everyone in your household, including children, is educated about the potential hazards associated with garage doors. Teach them never to stand, walk, or play under a moving garage door. Emphasize that the door is not a toy and should not be tampered with or operated by unauthorized individuals. By fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Keep the Remote and Opener Out of Reach
To prevent unauthorized access and potential accidents, keep the garage door remote and opener out of the reach of children. Consider storing them in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or high shelf. Remind children that the remote control is not a toy and should never be played with. By limiting access to the remote and opener, you can prevent accidents caused by improper use.
Be Mindful of Moving Parts
When operating the garage door, be cautious of the moving parts, such as springs, cables, and pulleys. Avoid touching or attempting to fix these components yourself, as they are under high tension and can cause severe injuries if mishandled. If you notice any loose or damaged parts, contact a professional technician immediately to address the issue.
Install Visual and Audible Safety Features
Enhance your garage door safety by installing visual and audible safety features. Consider adding bright LED lights to the garage area, ensuring better visibility during operation. Additionally, installing audible warning systems, such as alarms or flashing lights, can alert you and others in the vicinity when the door is in motion. These safety features act as effective warning signals, reducing the chances of accidents and injuries.
Secure the Emergency Release
The emergency release is a vital feature that allows you to manually open the garage door during power outages or mechanical failures. However, it can also be a potential hazard if not properly secured. Make sure the emergency release is installed at a height unreachable by children. Additionally, instruct family members on how to use the emergency release safely and responsibly.
Garage door safety should never be taken lightly. By implementing the tips mentioned above, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries associated with garage doors. Remember, a little effort in ensuring garage door safety goes a long way in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your property from potential accidents and injuries. Reach out to us at Commonwealth Garage Door to schedule a routine inspection or to fix a safety issue that you’ve noticed. We’re a family-owned local business, so we understand your family’s need for convenience and security in and around your home. We pride ourselves on offering fair and upfront pricing, along with military and senior discounts and our 24/7 emergency service means that fixing your garage door is just a phone call away.
