Garage doors are not only convenient but also essential components of our homes. However, they can pose safety risks, especially for families with children. Everything starts with making sure that your garage door is maintained, safe and operational but there’s more to it. Ensuring garage door use and interactions are safe is important. There are several key tips that families can follow to create a secure environment for everyone.
Educate Your Children So That They Understand
Teach your children about the dangers of garage doors. Make sure they understand that the garage door is not a toy and that it can cause serious injuries if mishandled. Children are more likely to listen to you if you explain something than if you just tell them not to do it. Otherwise, it’s like taking a toy away from them, they’ll just want to play with it more.
Supervise Young Children’s Playtime
Avoid allowing children to play near the garage door, especially when it’s in operation. Children may be curious and attempt to operate the door, which can lead to accidents. Generally, try to avoid play time from happening in the garage and if they’re going to be outside, they should stay away from the door. You don’t want someone driving out of the garage not realizing there are children nearby.
Keep Any and All Remote Controls Out of Reach
Place garage door remote controls out of children’s reach. You don’t want them to accidentally activate the door. Consider using a keychain remote to always keep it with you or keep it in your vehicle. While modern safety sensors keep your overhead door safe, you want to take every precaution possible.
Keep Up with Your Garage Door Maintenance
Keep your garage door well-maintained to prevent accidents. Schedule routine inspections and maintenance to make sure that the door is in proper working condition. A failing door can cause damage or potentially hurt someone. They’re heavy objects that when dropped can really hurt someone. Also, a broken garage spring can deal some serious damage to anyone or anything in its vicinity.
Test the Auto-Reverse Safety Feature on a Regular Basis
All modern garage doors are equipped with an auto-reverse feature. Test it periodically by placing a small object (like a piece of wood) in the door’s path. The door should reverse when it encounters an obstruction. Safety features can always fail but if you test them periodically, you can fix them before it causes a problem.
Keep Doors to the Garage Locked
If your garage has a door that leads into the house, make sure it’s always locked. This will prevent unauthorized access and provide an extra layer of security. Teaching younger children to consistently lock doors to outside is also a great habit to form early on.
Keep Fingers Out of Any Parts Moving or Not
Inform your children about the risk of getting their fingers caught in the garage door’s moving parts. Emphasize the importance of keeping fingers and hands away from the door when it’s in motion. Just like before, educate them on the subject rather than telling them to just not do it. Let them ask questions and be curious because it will protect them.
Installing Motion Sensor Lights Can Prevent Accidents
Consider installing motion sensor lights in your garage. These lights will automatically illuminate the area when someone approaches. You need to see where you’re driving or walking to safely enter the garage. It’ll prevent any unnecessary damage to your vehicles or your garage.
Consult a Professional If Your Garage Door isn’t Operating Normally
If you notice any unusual noises, jerky movements, or malfunctions in your garage door, call a professional. Avoid DIY repairs if you’re ever unsure of what’s going on. Your safety comes first, and some parts (the spring) should be repaired by professionals.
Show Everyone How to Use the Emergency Release Handle
Show family members how to use the emergency release handle on the garage door. In case of a power outage or a malfunction, this handle allows manual operation of the door. Also, in the case of power outages, you can install a garage door battery backup system. This is a secondary power source that will kick in to power the opener if the power is out or there’s an electrical problem.
By following these garage door safety tips, families can create a secure environment for everyone in the household. Awareness, education, and regular maintenance are key to preventing accidents. With some education and work, your garage door can remain a safe and reliable part of your home.
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