5 min read
Garage doors are the largest and heaviest moving objects in most homes. While modern doors are equipped with safety features, accidents can still happen when doors are improperly maintained or when safety precautions are ignored. Here's what every family needs to know to stay safe around their garage door.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, garage doors cause thousands of injuries each year, including:
- Fingers caught in door sections, Items or people struck by closing doors, Injuries from spring failures, Entrapment under doors
Most of these accidents are preventable with proper maintenance, awareness, and safety practices.
Every garage door should have these critical safety features in working order:
Modern garage door openers are required to have an auto-reverse feature that stops and reverses the door if it encounters an obstruction. Test this monthly by placing a 2x4 board flat on the ground in the door's path. If the door doesn't reverse upon hitting the board, the opener needs adjustment or repair.
These sensors create an invisible beam across the door opening. If anything breaks the beam while the door is closing, the door should stop and reverse. Test these by waving an object (like a broom) through the beam while the door is closing. Clean the sensor lenses monthly and ensure they're properly aligned.
Every opener has a manual release (usually a red cord or handle) that allows you to disconnect the door from the opener. Know where this is located and how to use it in case of power outages or opener malfunctions.
Children are at particular risk of garage door accidents. Teach them these important rules:
1. Never play with the door controls - The garage door opener is not a toy 2. Never run under a moving door - Always wait for it to stop completely 3. Keep hands and fingers away from door sections - Pinch points between panels can cause serious injuries 4. Never touch the springs or cables - These are under extreme tension and can cause severe injuries 5. Tell an adult immediately if the door behaves strangely
Consider placing the wall-mounted control at least 5 feet high, out of children's reach.
Perform these simple checks every month:
- [ ] Check springs, cables, pulleys, and rollers for signs of wear - [ ] Look for rust, fraying, or damage - [ ] Inspect weatherstripping for cracks or gaps - [ ] Check the door panels for dents or cracks
- [ ] Disconnect the opener using the manual release - [ ] Manually lift the door halfway - [ ] A properly balanced door should stay in place - [ ] If it falls or rises, the springs need professional adjustment
- [ ] Test the auto-reverse with a 2x4 board - [ ] Test the photoelectric sensors with an object - [ ] Ensure the door doesn't touch the vehicle or anything else when closing
- [ ] Lubricate moving parts (hinges, rollers, tracks) - [ ] Tighten any loose hardware - [ ] Clean the sensor lenses
1. Don't try to force the door, you could cause additional injury 2. Use the manual release to disconnect the opener 3. Carefully lift the door manually if possible 4. Call 911 if the person is injured
1. Check if the opener is receiving power 2. Try the wall switch if the remote doesn't work 3. Use the manual release to operate the door manually 4. Call a professional for repair
1. Stop using the door immediately 2. Disconnect the opener 3. Do not attempt to repair springs or cables yourself 4. Call a professional technician
While regular maintenance can be done yourself, certain repairs should always be handled by professionals:
- Spring replacement - Springs are under extreme tension - Cable repair - Can snap and cause injury - Track realignment - Requires special tools and expertise - Opener repair - Electrical components can be hazardous
At Garage Door Milpitas, our technicians are trained in safe repair procedures and carry proper insurance. We're available 24/7 for emergency repairs to keep your family safe.
Beyond the door itself, consider these additional safety measures:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector if your garage is attached, Keep the garage floor clear of trip hazards, Install adequate lighting, Never leave your car running in an enclosed garage, Keep hazardous materials stored safely
Your garage door should make your life more convenient, not more dangerous. With regular maintenance and attention to safety, you can enjoy the benefits of your garage door while keeping your family protected.