2024-01-05 5 min read Mike Johnson
Garage doors are the largest moving object in most homes, and they can pose serious safety risks if not properly maintained and used. With thousands of garage door injuries reported annually.many involving children.it's crucial for families to understand and practice proper safety measures. At Garage Door San Jacinto, we've seen the consequences of neglected safety features and want to help you protect your family.
Modern garage doors weigh between 150-400 pounds and are operated by powerful springs and motors. While today's doors have more safety features than ever, accidents can still happen. The most common injuries involve fingers getting caught between door sections, children being struck by closing doors, and entanglement with cables or springs.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 20,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for garage door-related injuries. Children under 14 account for a significant portion of these injuries. Understanding the risks is the first step toward prevention.
Since 1993, all garage door openers sold in the United States are required to have photo-eye sensors that detect objects in the door's path. These sensors should be installed no more than 6 inches from the ground and create an invisible beam across the door opening. When anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, it should immediately reverse.
Test your sensors monthly: - Place a roll of paper towels in the door's path, Close the door using the wall button or remote, It should reverse immediately upon the sensors detecting the object, If it doesn't reverse, the sensors may be misaligned or malfunctioning
Look for the indicator lights on your sensors. Typically, one sensor has a green light (sending unit) and one has an amber light (receiving unit). If either light is blinking or off, the sensors need attention.
In addition to photo-eyes, doors should have a mechanical auto-reverse feature that causes the door to reverse if it contacts an object. This provides a backup safety measure if the photo-eyes fail or if an object enters the door's path after the sensors have been cleared.
Test the auto-reverse monthly: - Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground where the door meets the floor, Close the door using the wall button or remote, The door should reverse within two seconds of touching the board, If it doesn't reverse properly, the force settings need adjustment
Teach your children these fundamental safety rules and reinforce them regularly:
1. Never play under or near a moving garage door - The door's path is a no-play zone 2. Never touch or play with the door's springs, cables, or tracks - These components are under high tension 3. Never try to run under a closing door - Even with safety features, timing can fail 4. Keep fingers away from door sections - The joints between panels can pinch 5. Never hang on or swing from the door or hardware - The added weight strains components 6. Tell an adult immediately if the door makes unusual noises - Changes often indicate problems
Garage door remotes are not toys, but children are naturally curious about buttons and devices. Take these precautions to prevent accidents:
- Keep remotes out of children's reach, preferably in a locked car console, Explain clearly that remotes are tools, not toys, Consider using only wall-mounted controls inside the garage, Supervise children whenever they're in or near the garage, Never let children operate the door without adult supervision
Regular maintenance prevents many safety issues and ensures safety features function correctly when needed:
Make sure everyone in your family knows these emergency procedures:
- How to manually release and operate the door - Pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect from the opener - Where the emergency release cord is located - Usually a red cord hanging from the trolley - Who to call if the door malfunctions - Keep our number (951-724-4202) accessible - Never attempt to repair springs, cables, or tracks yourself - These require professional service
Practice the emergency release procedure with your family so everyone is comfortable using it in an actual emergency.
If your garage door opener is more than 20 years old, it may lack modern safety features. The technology has improved dramatically, and newer systems are significantly safer. Consider upgrading to a new system that includes:
- Photo-eye sensors (required since 1993) - Auto-reverse feature with adjustable force, Rolling code technology for security, Battery backup for power outages, Timer-to-close functions
Don't wait for an accident to think about garage door safety. Contact Garage Door San Jacinto to schedule a comprehensive safety inspection. We'll ensure your door meets all current safety standards and is operating properly. Learn more about seasonal maintenance to keep your family safe year-round.
Your family's safety is our top priority. If your opener is outdated, consider a smart opener upgrade with modern safety features. Call us today at 951-724-4202 or request a free estimate. We serve San Jacinto, Hemet, Menifee, Perris, and all surrounding communities.