The month of May is not only a time for spring cleaning and home improvement projects but also a time to prioritize safety. May has been designated as Garage Door Safety Month, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and securing your garage door. While garage doors serve as a convenient entry point to our homes, they can also pose potential hazards if not properly maintained or operated.
This article aims to raise awareness about garage door safety and provide essential tips to ensure the security of your family and property. As the original garage door experts, here are our top tips for keeping your garage door safe and secure.
1. Conduct Regular Inspections
Regular inspections are vital to identify any potential issues with your garage door. Start by visually inspecting the door for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, damaged panels, or loose hardware. Check the springs, rollers, and tracks for any signs of damage or misalignment. If you notice any problems, it is crucial to address them promptly by contacting a professional garage door technician.
2. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
Modern garage doors are equipped with an auto-reverse feature, which ensures that the door stops and reverses its direction if it encounters an obstacle while closing. Test this feature by placing a small object, like a roll of paper towels, in the door’s path. If the door fails to reverse upon contact with the object, it is essential to have it repaired immediately. Faulty auto-reverse mechanisms can pose a significant risk of injury, especially to children or pets.
3. Keep Remote Controls Secure
To prevent unauthorized access to your garage and home, it’s crucial to keep your remote control devices secure. Avoid leaving them visible in your car or misplaced around the house. If your remote is lost or stolen, reprogram the garage door opener immediately. Additionally, consider upgrading to a rolling code technology system, which changes the access code each time you use it, making it harder for potential intruders to gain entry.
4. Teach Children about Garage Door Safety
Educating children about garage door safety is essential to keep them safe from potential accidents. Teach them to never play near the garage door or attempt to operate it without adult supervision. Explain the dangers associated with getting trapped under a closing door and emphasize the importance of staying clear of the door’s path.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Garage doors require regular maintenance to ensure they operate smoothly and safely. It is advisable to have a professional technician perform a thorough inspection and maintenance at least once a year. They will lubricate moving parts, check the balance and alignment, and make necessary adjustments to keep your garage door functioning optimally and safely.
6. Don’t Neglect the Manual Release
Familiarize yourself with the manual release mechanism of your garage door opener. In the event of a power outage or a malfunction, the manual release allows you to open or close the door manually. Regularly test this feature to ensure it is working correctly, providing you with a reliable backup option when needed.
Enhancing Home Security through Garage Door Safety
As we focus on home safety during Garage Door Safety Month in May, it is essential to prioritize the maintenance and security of our garage doors. By conducting regular inspections, testing safety features, keeping remote controls secure, educating children, scheduling professional maintenance, and being aware of the manual release mechanism, we can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of our loved ones.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of your garage door while having peace of mind knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to keep your home and family secure. When it comes to your garage door safety, don’t settle for anything less than quality service and knowledgeable expertise. Contact Overhead Doors now and experience the peace of mind that comes with professional garage door servicing.
