Garages are one of the most amazing parts of home ownership so if you have one, you understand just how beneficial it can be. However, with that benefit comes some potential hazards.
Let’s look at 10 essential safety tips that you show follow to ensure that you and your family remain safe. These tips are acknowledged by the International Door Association (IDA) and the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA).
#1: All garage door controls should be installed so they are out of reach of small children. This will keep them from “playing” with a new button and potentially injuring someone.
#2: Never allow children to play with the remote garage door buttons.
#3: Always consult the owner’s manual to learn how to quickly use the door’s emergency release feature. You need to be able to use this feature instantly so it’s best to familiarize yourself with it now. Also make sure your entire family reviews it.
#4: Perform a visual inspection of your garage door at least once per month. Check the springs and cables, looking for signs of wear. If you find a problem, don’t attempt to fix it on your own since you need specific tools to do it correctly. Instead, hire a trained repairman to make adjustments to these parts.
#5: Test the reversal mechanism of the door by placing a small object under it as the door closes. If it does not reverse when it comes into contact with the object, then you should call in a professional to repair it. This is considered a serious and dangerous hazard.
#6: Never place your fingers in the area between door sections. You should also explain the dangers of this to your children so that they don’t get pinched. Better yet, consider buying a door that cannot pinch in this manner.
#7: Do not leave a garage door partially opened because it might travel down when activated. This puts it in danger of coming into contact with an object plus it puts the security of your home at risk.
#8: While you are away on vacation, always unplug the entire door opening unit to render it unusable. This makes your home more secure while you’re away. This is an optional component but most garages are equipped with it.
#9: If the opener doesn’t have roller code technology, then you should change the code so that it’s not the standard code used by all opening systems. This further protects your home. Roller code technology automatically changes the code used when the door is commanded to open or close but if this is not available, then you do not want the code to be one that a potential thief could guess.
#10: One of the latest trends in home invasion is that people will steal the garage door opening remote and then use it at a later date to gain access to the home. Never leave this control alone in the car while shopping without a key chain attached to it. Furthermore, you should also make sure that the entrance to your home from the garage is always locked with a dead bolt.
