Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering ease of access and peace of mind. However, improper use or lack of care can lead to safety hazards. To ensure safe use, 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, cables, wheels, and tracks for wear and tear. Look out for strange sounds 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 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.
Safe Practices for the Household
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 dangers of tampering with the system. Clear communication is key to preventing accidents.
4. Testing Safety Features
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like automatic reversal systems and motion sensors. Test these features regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. 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.
Leave Repairs to the Pros
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, repairs involving torsion mechanisms, wires, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under extreme stress and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
