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Why Garage Door Safety Matters for Families
As temperatures rise and kids and pets spend more time outdoors, garage doors become an active part of daily life. Whether its children running through the driveway or pets exploring new spaces, a garage door that lacks safety precautions can pose serious risks. Understanding modern safety features and following best practices will help prevent accidents and ensure a secure home environment.
Key Garage Door Safety Features to Look For
Auto-Reverse Mechanism: The Must-Have Feature
Modern garage doors include an auto-reverse system that detects objects in their path and immediately stops or reverses direction. This function prevents children or pets from getting trapped under a closing garage door.
- How to Test It: Place a small object, like a roll of paper towels, under the door and close it. If the door doesn’t reverse upon contact, it’s time for a professional inspection.
- When to Upgrade: If your garage door opener was installed before 1993, it may not have an auto-reverse feature. Upgrading to a newer model from Lakeside Doors ensures compliance with modern safety standards.
Motion Sensors and Proper Sensor Placement
Garage door sensors detect movement and prevent the door from closing if something is in its path. However, improper sensor placement can render this feature ineffective.
- Correct Placement: Sensors should be installed no more than six inches off the ground to ensure they detect small children and pets.
- Routine Checks: Clean sensor lenses and evaluate them monthly by waving an object in front of them while the door is closing.
Manual Control and Emergency Release Cord
Every automatic garage door includes a manual release mechanism, usually a red cord hanging from the opener track. This feature is essential in case of power outages or malfunctions.
- Teach children that the manual release cord is for emergencies only.
- Make sure adults know how to operate it to open the garage manually when needed.
Smart Garage Door Technology for Extra Safety
Wi-Fi-enabled smart garage door openers allow homeowners to monitor door activity and receive alerts if it opens unexpectedly.
- Install a smart opener from Lakeside Doors to prevent unauthorized access.
- Set up a child lock feature to disable remote controls when needed.
Learn more about garage door security best practices from the Federal Trade Commission.
Preventing Garage Door Accidents: Best Practices for Families
Keep Remotes Out of Reach
Garage door remotes should be stored in secure locations, not within reach of children.
- Avoid keeping remotes in cars parked outside, as they can be stolen.
- Consider a wall-mounted keypad with a PIN code instead of handheld remotes.
Regular Garage Door Inspections and Maintenance
Annual maintenance is key to ensuring your garage door operates safely. Worn-out springs, misaligned tracks, or damaged cables can lead to unexpected failures.
- Schedule a yearly safety inspection with Lakeside Doors.
- Lubricate moving parts every six months to maintain smooth operation.
The International Door Association provides additional safety guidelines for residential garage doors.
Educating Kids About Garage Door Safety Rules
Teach children the dos and don’ts of garage door use:
DO: Wait for the door to fully open before walking under it.
DON’T: Hang on the garage door or attempt to race under it while closing.
Post a garage door safety checklist near the door as a reminder for kids.
What to Do If You Notice a Safety Issue
If your garage door shows signs of delayed response, uneven movement, or a failing sensor, address the issue immediately.