Garage Door Safety: Protecting Your Family from Common Hazards

2023-12-12 6 min read

Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes, weighing anywhere from 150 to over 400 pounds. While modern doors include numerous safety features, accidents still occur, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports thousands of garage door-related injuries each year. Understanding potential hazards and implementing proper safety practices can protect your family from serious harm.

The Dangers of Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are under immense tension, enough to lift hundreds of pounds many times per day. When these springs break, they can release that energy violently. Never attempt to repair or adjust springs yourself. The force of a breaking spring can cause serious injury or death. Signs of failing springs include the door feeling heavier than usual, visible gaps in the spring coils, or the door not staying open when released halfway. If you notice these signs, call a professional immediately.

Teach Children About Garage Door Safety

Children are naturally curious and may not understand the dangers of garage doors. Establish clear rules: never stand, walk, or run under a moving door; never play with or near the door controls; keep fingers away from door sections, hinges, and tracks; never try to "race" the closing door. Consider installing the wall-mounted control panel at a height children can't reach, and keep remote controls out of their reach.

Test Safety Features Monthly

Federal law has required automatic reverse mechanisms on garage door openers. These life-saving features should be tested monthly:

Force Test: Place a 2x4 flat on the floor where the door would close. When the door touches the board, it should immediately reverse. If it doesn't, the opener needs adjustment.

Photoelectric Test: While the door is closing, wave a long object (like a broom handle) through the photoelectric sensor beam about six inches off the ground. The door should immediately reverse.

If either safety feature isn't working properly, stop using the opener and call a technician.

Visual Inspection for Hazards

Regularly inspect your garage door system for potential hazards. Look for:

• Frayed or damaged cables
• Worn or broken springs
• Loose hardware or brackets
• Cracked or damaged rollers
• Gaps between door sections
• Rust or corrosion on metal parts

Never attempt repairs on springs, cables, or bottom brackets, these components are under high tension. Call a professional for any repairs involving these parts.

Keep the Emergency Release Cord Accessible

The emergency release cord (usually red) allows you to disconnect the door from the opener and operate it manually. This is essential during power outages or if the opener fails with the car inside. Make sure family members know how to use it, but keep it out of reach of children. Never pull the release cord when the door is open if you suspect broken springs, the door could come crashing down.

Secure the Remote Controls

Garage door remotes are essentially keys to your home. Treat them with the same care you'd give house keys. Don't leave remotes in vehicles parked outside your garage, especially if your car registration shows your address. Consider using a key chain remote or smartphone app instead of the standard visor clip remote. If a remote is lost or stolen, reprogram the opener to prevent unauthorized access.

Don't Leave the Door Partially Open

A partially open garage door is an invitation to intruders and pests. It's also a safety hazard, children or pets might try to crawl under a door that's only a few inches off the ground. Modern openers have settings that prevent the door from being left partially open, automatically closing it if it's left in an intermediate position for too long.

Lock the Door to Your House

Many break-ins occur through garage doors. Once inside the garage, burglars have time to work on the door to your house unseen. Always keep the door from your garage to your home locked, especially when you're away. Consider upgrading this door to a solid-core or steel door with a deadbolt for additional security.

Professional Maintenance

Annual professional garage door maintenance is the best way to ensure your garage door remains safe. A technician will inspect all safety features, test balance and operation, lubricate moving parts, and identify potential problems before they become dangerous. Read our maintenance tips guide for things you can check between professional visits.

At Garage Door Elma, safety is our top priority. Our technicians are trained to identify and address safety hazards during every service call. We offer comprehensive safety inspections and can upgrade older doors and openers to meet current safety standards. Serving Alden, Lackawanna, and all service areas. Contact us today or call 360-295-4792.

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