2023-12-28 5 min read
Garage doors provide convenience and security for our homes, but they also pose potential hazards—especially for children and pets. A standard residential garage door weighs between 150 and 400 pounds, and the mechanisms that move it operate under high tension. Understanding these risks and implementing safety practices can prevent accidents and protect your family.
Children are naturally curious and may not understand the dangers associated with garage doors. Make garage door safety part of your family's regular safety discussions:
1. Never play under or near a moving garage door - The door can reverse unexpectedly or safety features can malfunction 2. Never race the door - Trying to run under a closing door is extremely dangerous 3. Stay away from moving parts - Fingers and hands can get caught in hinges, tracks, and panels 4. Don't hang from the door or handle - This can damage components and cause the door to fall 5. Never touch springs, cables, or brackets - These components are under extreme tension
Mount wall-mounted controls at least five feet high, out of reach of young children. Store remote controls where children can't access them—never leave them in children's toy areas or treat them as toys.
Pets face similar risks around garage doors:
- Supervise pets in the garage - Don't leave pets unattended in the garage, especially when the door might be operated - Check for pets before closing - Always verify your pet's location before activating the door - Consider pet-aware sensors - Some modern opener systems include pet-detection features
Your garage door's safety features only work if they're properly maintained:
These sensors, installed near the floor on both sides of the door, create an invisible beam. When anything breaks the beam while the door is closing, the door reverses. Monthly testing and cleaning ensures they work correctly: - Wipe lenses with a soft cloth to remove dust and cobwebs - Check alignment—the sensor lights should be solid, not blinking - Test regularly by waving an object through the beam while closing
This feature causes the door to reverse if it contacts an obstruction. Test monthly by placing a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path. If the door doesn't reverse upon contact, stop using it and call for service immediately.
Teach responsible family members how to use the emergency release (usually a red cord) to manually open the door during power outages or emergencies.
A well-maintained door is a safer door. Schedule annual professional inspections and perform monthly visual checks for: - Frayed cables - Rust or corrosion - Loose hardware - Unusual sounds or movements
Maintain a clear zone around the garage door: - Don't store items near the door's path - Remove tripping hazards from the garage floor - Ensure adequate lighting for visibility
If your door is more than 20 years old, it may lack current safety features. Older openers may not have auto-reverse mechanisms or photo-eye sensors—features that have been required on new installations since 1993. Upgrading to a modern system significantly improves safety.
At Garage Door Westminster, we prioritize safety in every installation and repair. Contact us for a safety inspection or to discuss upgrading your garage door system to protect your family.