Garage Door Safety: Protecting Your Family and Property
2023-12-20 8 min read
Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home, weighing anywhere from 130 to over 400 pounds. While modern doors include multiple safety features, understanding how to use and maintain them properly is essential for protecting your family. Here's everything you need to know about garage door safety.
Understanding the Risks
Garage door injuries are more common than most people realize. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 30,000 people are injured by garage doors each year. Common injuries include:
- Fingers crushed in door sections, Injuries from falling doors, Entrapment under closing doors, Injuries from broken springs and cables
The good news is that most garage door injuries are preventable with proper safety measures and maintenance.
Essential Safety Features
Auto-Reverse Mechanism
All garage doors manufactured after 1993 are required to have auto-reverse features. There are two types:
Mechanical Auto-Reverse: If the door contacts an obstacle while closing, it immediately reverses direction. Test monthly by placing a 2x4 board in the door's path.
Photo-Eye Sensors: Infrared sensors mounted 6 inches above the floor create an invisible beam. If broken during door operation, the door reverses. Test monthly by breaking the beam with your foot while the door is closing.
Manual Release
The red emergency release cord allows manual operation if the opener fails or during power outages. Know where it is and how to use it, but teach children not to play with it.
Rolling Code Technology
Modern openers use rolling code technology that changes the access code with each use, preventing code grabbing by thieves.
Safety Tips for Daily Use
1. Watch the Door Until Fully Closed
Never walk away while the door is moving. Children, pets, or objects can enter the door's path. Wait until the door is completely closed before leaving.
2. Keep Fingers Away from Panel Sections
Never put your fingers between door panels. As the door opens, the space between panels closes, creating a pinch point. This is especially important to teach children.
3. Don't Leave the Door Partially Open
A partially open door is an invitation for: - Burglars to slip underneath, Animals to enter, Children to try to duck under (risking entrapment)
4. Never Walk Under a Moving Door
Even with safety features, never walk under a closing door. If the safety systems fail, a falling door can cause serious injury.
5. Keep Remotes Secure
Treat your garage door remote like a house key. Don't leave it visible in your car or give it to people you don't fully trust. Consider a keychain remote that stays with you.
Child Safety Guidelines
Teach Children About Garage Door Safety, The garage door is not a toy, Never touch a moving door, Never run under a closing door, Never play with remotes or wall buttons, Keep fingers away from door sections
Mount Wall Buttons High
Install the wall-mounted door control at least 5 feet high, out of reach of small children. This prevents children from operating the door unsupervised.
Keep Remotes Out of Reach
Store remotes where children cannot access them. Consider removing the remote from your car if children regularly play in or around the vehicle.
Supervise Children Near the Door
Never leave young children unsupervised in the garage. The combination of a heavy moving door and children's natural curiosity creates risk.
Maintenance for Safety
Regular maintenance is essential for safe operation:
Monthly Tasks, Test auto-reverse mechanism with 2x4 board, Test photo-eye sensors, Visually inspect springs, cables, and hardware, Listen for unusual sounds during operation, Ensure door moves smoothly without jerking
Annual Professional Inspection
Schedule annual service with a qualified technician. Professional inspections include: - Spring tension adjustment, Cable inspection, Hardware tightening, Opener calibration, Safety feature testing, Track alignment verification
Warning Signs of Safety Issues
Contact a professional immediately if you notice:
- Door doesn't reverse when contacting an obstacle, Photo-eye sensors don't stop the door, Visible gaps in springs, Frayed or damaged cables, Door falls quickly when closing, Unusual grinding or scraping sounds, Door appears unbalanced or crooked
What to Do If Someone Is Trapped
If someone becomes trapped under a garage door:
1. Don't panic - Stay calm to think clearly 2. Try the wall button - Press it to reverse the door 3. Pull the emergency release - The red cord disconnects the opener, allowing manual operation 4. Lift the door manually - With the opener disconnected, lift from the bottom 5. Call for help - If you cannot free the person, call 911 immediately
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Never run a vehicle in a garage with the door closed, even for a short time. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur within minutes. If you must warm up your car:
- Open the garage door fully, Back the car out of the garage, Never leave a running car unattended in or near the garage
Secure Your Garage
Your garage door is a potential entry point for burglars. Protect your home by:
- Never leaving the door open when away, Using a timer to automatically close the door after a set period, Installing motion-sensor lights, Using smart opener features to monitor and control remotely, Keeping the interior garage door locked
Conclusion
Garage door safety requires awareness, proper maintenance, and teaching family members (especially children) about the risks. By following these guidelines and scheduling regular professional maintenance, you can enjoy the convenience of your garage door while minimizing safety risks.
Have questions about garage door safety? Need to schedule a safety inspection? Contact Garage Door Fullerton at (650) 374-4483. Our certified technicians can ensure your door is operating safely and teach your family about proper garage door safety.