Garage doors are heavy equipment, weighing many pounds, even in smaller-sized doors. They have heavy springs, rolling wheels, and hinged panels. These things add up to a high risk of injury, especially with children around. The good news is that prevention and safety tips can help.
Regular Maintenance
The most crucial thing you can do to keep your children and family safe is to get your door regularly maintained. Regular maintenance keeps the garage door functional and prevents problems from arising. Always involve a technician for maintenance practices to get acquainted with your door and advise you accordingly.
Keep The Remote Away
Kids can play with literally everything. They enjoy pushing buttons and watching objects move. So, they can use a door remotely as a toy and spend hours raising and lowering the garage door. Playing with the garage door increases the risk of serious injuries, so keep the garage door removed away from children.
Keep The Door Shut
The garage door is most dangerous when open. Open doors can malfunction and cause serious injuries. To avoid this, always keep your door shut when not in use.
Don’t Share the Garage Door Access Code
If your child knows the garage door access code, tell them to keep it private. Ask your children not to share the access code with their friends, so no one invites them in when no one is at home. This reduces the risk of other children getting injured on your premises or when repairing your garage door.
Check Sensors And Auto Reverse
While you’re cleaning your door and openers, pay attention to the sensors on either side. Sensors detect an object or person in the path of the door so it doesn’t close on them. Ensure the sensor is well maintained to ensure it’s operational. Test if the auto-reverse is still functional by placing an object along the pathways. If the door reverses, it is still functional.
Learn How To Use Emergency Release
Even if your whole family takes safety precautions, accidents still happen. So, knowing what to do in an emergency is critical. You don’t have to go to the owner’s manual to learn how to liberate a trapped child. Read and practice using the emergency release to know exactly what to do in an emergency.
Forbid Children Play With The Door
Many children see a garage door as a form of entertainment. Teach your children and their friends to keep off playing with the door and its components. Caution them from hanging or running under it before it closes. Let them understand the door can cause serious injuries.
Don’t Leave Young Children Unattended
If you have older children, have them enforce garage door safety with their younger siblings. Tell them to step in if they see their younger siblings playing at the door.
Purchase A High-Quality Garage Door
When buying a new garage door, it is tempting to go for cheaper options if you are on a budget. Remember, cheaper garage doors are made with cheaper materials that may malfunction or break down. Look for a high-quality door to prevent your children and family from danger.
When To Replace Your Opener And Door
If your door breaks down constantly, it’s time to upgrade. Modern doors and openers have the best safety and security features, so upgrading is the best choice to keep children safe. Look for a reputable garage door company and get a new door and opener.
Though garage doors are generally out of sight and mind, they pose a major risk to children. Kids tend to climb on things that they shouldn’t. Teaching your children garage door safety can help avoid risks and reduce the chances of injuries.