Your overhead garage door is an essential part of your home, offering convenience and security. However, improper use or lack of maintenance can lead to dangerous situations. To protect your family and property, follow these practical safety tips for operating your garage door.
Routine Inspections Are Key
Routine maintenance is the first step to ensuring safe operation. Inspect the springs, cables, rollers, and rails for wear and tear. Look out for unusual noises or jerky movements, 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 modern opener system that requires a smartphone app or PIN to operate.
3. Educating Family Members
Ensure everyone in your household knows how to use the garage door safely. Teach young ones not to treat it as a toy or its mechanisms and explain the dangers of tampering with moving parts. Clear communication is key to ensuring safety.
Check Your Door’s Safety Systems
Modern garage doors are equipped with safety features like auto-reverse and motion sensors. Test these features on a schedule 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 service check.
DIY? Not for Garage Doors
While some maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, repairs involving springs, cables, or the opener mechanism should always be left to professionals. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
