Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering ease of access and security. However, improper use or lack of care can lead to safety hazards. To protect your family and property, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
Inspecting Your Door Frequently
Routine maintenance is the foundation to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, wires, rollers, and rails for signs of damage. Look out for unusual noises or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues early can prevent accidents and expensive fixes.
Don’t Lose Control
Treat your garage door remote control like a house key. Keep it out of reach of children and store it securely when not in use. For added security, consider a modern opener system that requires a smartphone app or PIN to operate.
Safe Practices for the Household
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 ensuring safety.
Keep Features in Check
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like automatic reversal systems and motion sensors. 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.
Professional Repairs Are Safer
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, repairs involving torsion mechanisms, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to trained technicians. These components are under high tension and can cause severe harm if mishandled.
