Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and security. However, improper use or lack of care can lead to dangerous situations. To protect your family and property, follow these essential safety tips for operating your garage door.
Keep Your Door in Check
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, wires, rollers, and tracks for wear and tear. Look out for unusual noises or uneven motion, which could indicate a problem. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent accidents and costly repairs.
Safe Storage for Remotes
Treat your garage door remote control like a security tool. Keep it out of reach of children and store it securely when not in use. For added security, consider a smart garage door opener that requires a smartphone app or PIN to operate.
Knowledge Is Power
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 ensuring safety.
Check Your Door’s Safety Systems
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like auto-reverse 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 service check.
Leave Repairs to the Pros
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, repairs involving torsion mechanisms, cables, or the opener mechanism should always be left to trained technicians. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
