Garage doors, while functional and convenient, can also pose safety and security risks if not properly maintained and used. This article will provide you with essential garage door safety tips that will help keep your family and property secure.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Monthly visual inspection: Make a habit of visually inspecting your garage door system at least once a month. Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as frayed cables, bent tracks, or loose bolts. If you notice any issues, contact a professional garage door technician for repair or replacement.
- Lubrication: Lubricate all moving parts of the garage door system, including hinges, rollers, and tracks, every three to six months. This will ensure smooth operation and reduce wear and tear.
- Testing safety features: Test the garage door’s safety features, such as the automatic reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors, at least once a month. To test the reverse mechanism, place a solid object in the path of the closing door. If the door does not reverse upon contact, it may need adjustment or repair. To test the photo-eye sensors, wave an object in front of them while the door is closing. The door should reverse immediately.
Teaching Children Garage Door Safety
- Keep remotes out of reach: Store garage door remote controls in a secure location that is not accessible to children.
- Supervise children: Always supervise children when they are near the garage door, especially during operation.
- Educate them: Teach children how to safely use the garage door by showing them the correct way to open and close it, and explain the dangers of playing with the door or its components ailovemusic.
Enhancing Garage Door Security
- Invest in a strong door: Choose a garage door made of durable materials, such as steel or solid wood, that will withstand forced entry attempts.
- Install an automatic opener with rolling code technology: This technology generates a new code each time the remote is used, making it more difficult for burglars to hack the system.
- Use a manual lock: When you’re away from home for an extended period, secure the garage door with a manual lock to prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep the door closed: Even when you’re at home, keep your garage door closed to deter potential intruders from scoping out your belongings.
- Install security lights: Motion-activated security lights can deter potential burglars and help keep the area around your garage door well-lit.
- Secure the emergency release: The emergency release mechanism can be a point of vulnerability for burglars. Consider using a zip-tie or specially designed lock to secure the emergency release.
Safety Precautions During Power Outages
- Familiarize yourself with the manual release: In the event of a power outage, you’ll need to know how to use the manual release to open your garage door. According to the owner of Canadian Garage Door Repair Edmonton, it is essential for homeowners in any location to understand this feature and ensure that all family members know how to use it during emergencies.
- Keep a flashlight handy: Store a flashlight near the garage door for easy access during a power outage.
- Install a battery backup system: A battery backup system will enable you to continue using your garage door opener even during a power outage.
Conclusion
Following these garage door safety tips can help prevent accidents and keep your property secure. Regular maintenance and inspection, teaching children about garage door safety, enhancing security measures, and being prepared for power outages are all important steps to take. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the convenience of a garage door while minimizing any potential risks.
