Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and security. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to dangerous situations. To protect your family and property, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
1. Regular Maintenance Checks
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the torsion springs, wires, wheels, and tracks for wear and tear. Look out for strange sounds or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Safe Storage for Remotes
Treat your garage door remote control like a security tool. Keep it out of reach of little ones and store it in a safe place when not in use. For added security, consider a smart garage door opener that requires a digital key or PIN to operate.
Knowledge Is Power
Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use the garage door safely. Teach young ones not to treat it as a toy or its mechanisms and explain the dangers of tampering with the system. Clear communication is key to preventing accidents.
Keep Features in Check
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like automatic reversal systems and motion sensors. Test these features regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. 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 service check.
Professional Repairs Are Safer
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, repairs involving springs, cables, or the opener mechanism should always be left to trained technicians. These components are under extreme stress and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
