Keep Your Family Safe With These Garage Door Safety Tips

If you’re like most families, your garage door is a primary part of your everyday routine. When used properly, a garage door system can be a convenient amenity for your home. It’s important to remember that garage doors can be very dangerous. Protect your family from any mishaps with these garage door safety tips.

Educate

Many garage door-related injuries can be avoided by simply informing everyone in the family of all garage-related rules. Some of these may seem like common sense, but with kiddos running around, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Do Not Hang on the Door

An opening garage door may seem like a free ride to one of your tiny tikes, but misusing the door can lead to serious injury. Remind your children and visiting guests that the garage door is not a toy.

Do Not Stand in the Way of the Door

Make it a rule that everyone must stand at least a foot away from the door opening while the door is in motion. Though most garage doors should have an emergency reverse feature, there’s no reason anyone should be in harm’s way.

Do Not Place Fingers in Between Sections

The small gaps between your garage door panels can be a serious pinching hazard. Remind your kids not to stick their fingers in between panels, especially if the door is moving.

Do Not Share the Entry Password

For families with a keypad access, it's vital that the security code is not shared with anyone. Remind your children not to tell anyone, including friends, what the entry password is.

Test

A primary safety feature on garage doors manufactured after the early 1990s is the emergency reverse. Essentially, your garage door system uses two photo eyes to detect if anything—or anyone—is in the way of the door. Check this safety mechanism regularly by placing a 2x4 or roll of paper towels in the doorway of the garage. Close the garage door. When the door hits the object, it should immediately reverse. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to call a technician to have the door repaired.

Inspect

Garage door malfunctions can often be a result of worn, rusted, or damaged parts. Be certain to inspect your garage door system regularly to ensure that your door works properly.

Repair

A damaged garage door poses a huge safety threat to you and your family and decreases your home's security. Don't continue to use your garage door if it is broken or malfunctioning. This may lead to an injury and could also worsen the damage to your door. Contact your local garage door repair company and address your door’s issues as soon as possible.

Close

Whenever possible, keep your garage door closed. A door that isn’t moving can’t hurt anyone, and it will deter and unwanted guests from entering your garage or home.

For expert garage service in the Cedar Rapids area, trust Doors by George. The professionals at Doors by George have the knowledge and experience needed to keep your garage door system up and running. From new installation to routine repairs, the professionals at Doors by George have you covered. Request a quote today!