Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and security. However, improper use or lack of care can lead to dangerous situations. To protect your family and property, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
Keep Your Door in Check
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, wires, wheels, and tracks for signs of damage. Look out for strange sounds or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can stop hazards and costly repairs.
2. Keeping Remote Controls Secure
Treat your garage door remote control like a house key. Keep it out of reach of children and store it securely when not in use. For added security, consider a modern opener system that requires a smartphone app or PIN to operate.
3. Educating Family Members
Ensure everyone in your household understands how to use the garage door safely. Teach children not to treat it as a toy or its mechanisms and explain the dangers of tampering with moving parts. Clear communication is key to preventing accidents.
Check Your Door’s Safety Systems
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like automatic reversal systems and motion sensors. Test these features regularly to ensure they are functioning as intended. Place an object like a block of wood under the door while it’s closing—if it doesn’t reverse upon contact, it’s time for a professional inspection.
Leave Repairs to the Pros
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, repairs involving springs, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under high tension and can cause severe harm if mishandled.
