Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering ease of access and security. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to safety hazards. 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 foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, cables, rollers, and rails for signs of damage. Look out for strange sounds or jerky movements, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent accidents and costly repairs.
Don’t Lose Control
Treat your garage door remote control like a house key. 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 smartphone app or PIN to operate.
3. Educating Family Members
Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use the garage door safely. Teach children not to treat it as a toy or its mechanisms and explain the risks of tampering with the system. Clear communication is key to preventing accidents.
Safety Features Matter
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like auto-reverse and motion sensors. 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 professional inspection.
DIY? Not for Garage Doors
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 extreme stress and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
