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 safety hazards. To ensure safe use, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
Keep Your Door in Check
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, cables, wheels, and rails for wear and tear. Look out for strange sounds or jerky movements, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can prevent accidents and expensive fixes.
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.
Safe Practices for the Household
Ensure everyone in your household understands how to use the garage door safely. Teach children not to play near the door or its mechanisms and explain the dangers of tampering with moving parts. Proper training is key to ensuring safety.
Check Your Door’s Safety Systems
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like auto-reverse and obstacle detection. Test these features on a schedule 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 DIY-friendly, repairs involving springs, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
