Garage doors are a convenient and essential part of our homes, providing a secure space for our cars and storage items. However, they can also pose a safety risk, especially if not properly maintained and used. In this article, we will discuss essential garage door safety tips to keep your family and pets safe.
1. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for garage door safety. A well-maintained garage door operates smoothly and reduces the risk of accidents. You should visually inspect your garage door at least once a month for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, rusted springs, or worn rollers.
You should also lubricate the moving parts of your garage door, including the springs, hinges, and rollers, at least twice a year. This will ensure that your garage door operates smoothly and quietly, reducing the risk of accidents.
2. Test the Safety Features
Garage doors come equipped with safety features to prevent accidents, such as photo-eye sensors that detect objects in the garage door’s path and automatic reverse mechanisms that stop the garage door from closing if it encounters an obstacle.
You should test the safety features of your garage door at least once a month to ensure that they are working correctly. To test the photo-eye sensors, place an object such as a broomstick or a box in the garage door’s path, and close the door. The door should stop and reverse if it encounters the object. To test the automatic reverse mechanism, place a small object such as a roll of paper towels under the door, and close the door. The door should stop and reverse when it encounters the object.
3. Keep Remote Controls Out of Reach
Garage door remote controls should be kept out of reach of children, to prevent them from accidentally opening or closing the garage door. You should also ensure that the wall-mounted control panel is installed at least five feet off the ground, out of reach of small children.
4. Don’t Leave the Garage Door Partially Open
Leaving the garage door partially open is a safety hazard, as it can cause the garage door to fall unexpectedly, injuring anyone in its path. You should ensure that the garage door is fully open or fully closed and avoid leaving it partially open.
5. Install Motion-Activated Lighting
Installing motion-activated lighting in your garage can improve visibility and safety, especially at night. The lighting will turn on automatically when you enter the garage, making it easier to navigate and reducing the risk of accidents.
6. Keep the Area Clear
You should keep the area around your garage door clear of clutter, debris, and other items, to prevent them from obstructing the door’s path or falling onto the door.
7. Don’t DIY Garage Door Repairs
Garage door repairs should be left to the professionals, as DIY repairs can be dangerous and lead to accidents. You should hire a licensed and experienced garage door technician to inspect and repair your garage door, especially if you notice any signs of wear and tear or malfunctions.
Garage door safety is essential to protect your family and pets from accidents and injuries. Regular maintenance, testing safety features, keeping remote controls out of reach, not leaving the garage door partially open, installing motion-activated lighting, keeping the area clear, and not DIY garage door repairs are some essential safety tips to keep in mind.
By following these safety tips and being vigilant about your garage door’s maintenance and operation, you can ensure that your garage door is safe and reliable, providing a secure and convenient space for your vehicles and storage items.