Garage doors are a crucial part of every home, providing security and convenience for homeowners. Instead, they can pose a significant safety risk if not used and maintained properly. According to the National Safety Council, more than 20,000 people in Canada suffer yearly injuries due to garage doors. To prevent accidents, here are seven key garage door safety tips that your family cannot ignore.
1. Perform Regular Maintenance.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your garage door functioning safely and efficiently. Garage doors service humilton provides excellent door maintenance tips that includes monthly inspection, looking for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, loose bolts, or damaged springs. Lubricate the door’s moving parts, including hinges and rollers, to keep them functioning smoothly.
2. Remote Control Out of Children’s Reach
Reach Garage door remote controls should be kept out of children’s reach. Children should not be allowed to play with the remote or operate the door without adult supervision. Remotes should be stored in a secure location, away from curious hands.
3. Test the Door’s Reversing Mechanism.
The reversing mechanism is a crucial safety feature that prevents the door from closing if something is in its path. Test this mechanism regularly by placing an object in the door’s path, such as a cardboard box, and operating the door. If the door does not reverse when it encounters the object, contact a professional to have it repaired.
4. Don’t Leave the Door Partially Open.
Leaving the garage door partially open is a safety hazard. Children or pets can get trapped under the door or in the opening, causing injury. Always operate the door fully, either opening it all the way or closing it completely.
5. Install Motion Detectors or Photoelectric Sensors.
Motion detectors or photoelectric sensors can detect when someone or something is in the door’s path, preventing it from closing. A professional should install these sensors and be tested regularly to ensure they function correctly.
6. Never Try to Repair the Door Yourself.
Garage doors are heavy and operate under tension, making them dangerous to repair without the proper training and tools. Never attempt to repair the door yourself. Instead, contact a garage door technician to perform repairs or maintenance.
7. Educate Your Family on Garage Door Safety.
Finally, educate your family on garage door safety. Ensure that everyone who operates the door understands the potential risks and how to use the door safely. Teach children to never play with the door or its components and always ask an adult for help if they need to use it.
Garage door safety is essential for the well-being of your family. By following these seven key garage door safety tips, you can minimize the risk of accidents and keep your garage door functioning safely and efficiently. Test your door’s safety features, keep remotes out of children’s reach, and check the door’s balance and alignment. Inspect cables and springs, and keep fingers away from moving parts.
Remember to perform regular maintenance, keep the remote control out of children’s reach, test the door’s reversing mechanism, avoid leaving the door partially open, install motion detectors or photoelectric sensors, never attempt to repair the door yourself, and educate your family on garage door safety.