Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and peace of mind. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to safety hazards. To protect your family and property, follow these essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
1. Regular Maintenance Checks
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, wires, rollers, and tracks for signs of damage. Look out for unusual noises or jerky movements, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can stop hazards and costly repairs.
Securing Your Garage Door Remote
Treat your garage door remote control like a house key. Keep it out of reach of children and store it in a safe place when not in use. For added security, consider a modern opener system that requires a smartphone app or PIN to operate.
3. Educating Family Members
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 risks of tampering with moving parts. Proper training is key to preventing accidents.
Safety Features Matter
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like automatic reversal systems and obstacle detection. Test these features on a schedule to ensure they are functioning as intended. 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.
5. Avoiding DIY Repairs
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, repairs involving springs, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to trained technicians. These components are under extreme stress and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
