5 min read
Your garage door may be the largest and heaviest moving object in your home, weighing anywhere from 130 to 400 pounds or more. While modern garage doors are equipped with safety features, they can still cause serious injury if proper precautions aren't taken. Here's how to keep your family safe around your garage door.
Children are naturally curious and may not understand the dangers of garage doors. Teach them these important rules:
- Never play under or near a moving garage door - Never try to "race" under a closing door - Never touch the springs, cables, or other hardware - Always tell an adult if something seems wrong with the door - The wall button and remote controls are not toys - Never hang on the door or try to ride it
Consider placing wall controls at least 5 feet high, out of reach of small children.
Modern garage doors have important safety features that should be tested regularly:
These sensors are located near the floor on either side of the door opening. They project an invisible beam.if anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, it should reverse immediately.
To test: Place an object (like a cardboard box) in the door's path and press the close button. The door should reverse as soon as it detects the obstruction.
This mechanical safety feature reverses the door if it contacts an object while closing.
To test: Place a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path. When the door touches the board, it should reverse. If it doesn't, the force settings need adjustment or there may be a mechanical problem.
If either test fails, stop using the door and call ${siteConfig.name} at ${siteConfig.phoneFormatted} for service.
- Never leave a closing door unattended.wait until it's fully closed - Always have a clear view of the door when operating it - Keep the area around the door clear of toys, tools, and debris - Install proper lighting so you can see the door and surrounding area
A well-maintained door is a safer door:
- Visual Inspection: Monthly, look at springs, cables, rollers, and other hardware for signs of wear - Listen for Changes: Unusual sounds can indicate developing problems - Lubrication: Keep moving parts lubricated to ensure smooth operation - Professional Tune-up: Schedule annual maintenance to catch problems before they become dangerous
Some parts of your garage door system should only be handled by professionals:
- Springs: Under extreme tension.can cause serious injury - Cables: Connected to springs and also under tension - Bottom Brackets: Cable attachment points that are under spring tension - Track Adjustments: Improper adjustment can cause the door to fall
If you notice problems with these components, call a professional.
Know how to manually operate your door in case of emergency:
1. Locate the emergency release (usually a red cord hanging from the trolley) 2. Practice using it while the door is closed 3. Know how to re-engage the opener after manual operation 4. Keep a flashlight in the garage for power outages 5. Consider a battery backup for your opener
Security and safety go hand in hand:
- Don't leave the door partially open.it invites intruders and pests - Use a timer to automatically close the door if forgotten - Consider smart features that alert you if the door is left open - Lock the door when away for extended periods
Call ${siteConfig.name} immediately if you notice:
- The door doesn't reverse when it should, Springs appear stretched, broken, or rusted, Cables are frayed or loose, The door is difficult to open manually, The door drops too quickly when closing, Any unusual sounds, movements, or behaviors
Your family's safety is worth the investment in professional maintenance and prompt repairs. At ${siteConfig.name}, we're committed to keeping Murrieta families safe. Call ${siteConfig.phoneFormatted} for a safety inspection today.