When it comes to the safety of your family, every precaution counts. One area that often gets overlooked is garage door safety. Garage doors are not only heavy but also pose various risks if not handled properly. In this article, we will explore essential garage door safety tips to protect your family from accidents and ensure peace of mind.
Garage doors are one of the heaviest moving objects in a home, weighing hundreds of pounds. A malfunctioning or improperly used garage door can lead to severe injuries or property damage.
According to statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are treated in emergency rooms each year due to garage door-related incidents.
One specific example highlights the importance of garage door safety. In 2019, a child in Franklin, Tennessee, sustained serious injuries when they attempted to manually operate a malfunctioning garage door. This incident underscores the critical need for proper education and awareness regarding garage door safety.
To protect your family and prevent such incidents, it’s crucial to understand and follow essential garage door safety practices.
Garage Door Safety Tips
Garage door safety is an important part of keeping your family safe and secure. Here are some tips by our garage door repair company technicians in Franklin to keep in mind when it comes to garage door safety:
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections are key to ensuring that your garage door operates safely and correctly. Here are a few tips for maintaining and inspecting your garage door:
- Garage Door Springs
It is important to note that garage door springs hold significant tension, which can result in serious injuries in the event of a breakage or malfunction. To ensure safety, it is advisable to conduct routine inspections of the springs, looking for any indications of wear or damage. If any issues are identified, it is crucial to engage the services of a qualified professional to carry out the necessary replacement.
- Hardware and Cables
Check the garage door’s hardware, including hinges, rollers, and cables, for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn-out components promptly to maintain safe operation.
- Lubrication
Apply lubricant to the moving parts of your smart garage door, such as hinges, rollers, and tracks. Lubrication reduces friction, ensuring smooth and safe door movement.
Teaching Kids The Safety
Having a secure garage door is a great convenience, but it’s important to teach your family & kids about how to use it safely. Here are some tips for teaching your family the basics of garage door safety:
- Educate Children
Teach children about the potential dangers of garage doors and emphasize that they should never play near or under a closing or moving garage door. Make sure they understand the importance of keeping their hands and fingers away from the door’s operational parts.
- Remote Control Safety
Instruct family members, especially children, on the responsible use of modern garage door remote controls. Ensure they know not to play with the remotes and keep them out of reach of young children to prevent accidental door activation.
- Emergency Release Mechanism
Show your family members how to operate the emergency release mechanism on the garage door. This feature allows manual operation in case of power outages or malfunctions.
Garage Door Opener Safety Features
Garage door opener safety features are designed to protect your family and provide peace of mind while enjoying the convenience of automatic garage door openers. Many newer models are equipped with a variety of safety features that will help keep your family safe, including:
- Auto-Reverse Functionality
To ensure the auto-reverse functionality of your garage door opener, conduct the following test: Insert a roll of paper towels or any comparable object along the door’s trajectory and proceed to close it. Ideally, the door should promptly reverse upon making contact with the obstruction. In case this fails to happen, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional to repair or adjust the automatic opener.
- Photoelectric Sensors
Ensure the photoelectric sensors, located near the floor on both sides of the garage door, are functioning correctly. Wave a broomstick or similar object in front of the sensors while the door is closing. The door should reverse immediately. Clean the sensor lenses regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Safety Precautions When Leaving the Garage
When leaving the garage, it is important to take safety precautions to ensure that your family is protected from potential harm. This includes making sure that any doors leading outside of the garage are securely closed and locked before you leave. Some of the safety precautions when leaving the garage are:
- Keep the Door in Sight
Always ensure constant supervision of the garage door until it has been completely closed or opened, as this precautionary measure effectively mitigates the risk of accidents or any unauthorized access to your residence.
- Secure the Garage
Make sure your garage is securely locked when not in use, especially if there is an interior door connecting the garage to your home. This adds an extra layer of security and protects your family from intruders.
Professional Garage Door Services in Franklin
Keeping your garage door in working order is important for your family’s safety and well-being. Professional garage door services can help you keep your door running smoothly, safely, and reliably.
Your garage requires regular maintenance by experts. Schedule annual maintenance and inspections by a professional garage door repair service provider in Franklin. They will ensure that all components are in good working condition and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.
By adhering to these recommendations for garage door safety, you can effectively protect your family from any possible accidents or injuries. By prioritizing garage door safety, you can provide a secure environment for your loved ones and enjoy peace of mind.
Take the necessary steps today to ensure your garage door operates safely and protects your family from harm. Call Tip Top Garage Doors Franklin at (615) 671-4056 or email service@tiptopgaragedoors.com for expert garage door repair and garage door maintenance services.