Garage doors cause thousands of injuries every year — many of them preventable. Here are 10 essential safety rules to protect your family, especially young children.
Garage doors are the largest moving mechanical object in most homes — and one of the most dangerous when not properly maintained or used. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that garage doors cause over 30,000 injuries annually. Here are 10 rules every family should follow.
Rule #1: Test the Auto-Reverse Feature Monthly
Place a 2x4 flat on the ground under the center of the door. Close the door — it must reverse immediately upon contact. If it doesn't, the force settings need adjustment or the opener needs service. This is the single most important safety test you can do.
Rule #2: Keep Children Away from Moving Doors
Never let children play near or under a moving garage door. The pinch points between door sections can cause severe finger injuries. Teach children that the garage door is not a toy and they must never run under a closing door.
Rule #3: Keep the Remote Out of Children's Reach
Garage door remotes should be treated like car keys — not toys. A child activating the door while someone is underneath can cause serious injury. Store remotes out of reach and consider a keypad with a PIN code instead.
Rule #4: Never Leave the Door Partially Open
A partially open door is structurally unstable and can fall unexpectedly. Always open the door fully or close it completely. Never prop a door open with objects.
Rule #5: Test Safety Sensors Monthly
Wave your hand or a broom handle in front of the photoelectric sensors (located 4–6 inches from the floor on each side) while the door is closing. The door must immediately reverse. If it doesn't stop, the sensors are misaligned or dirty — clean them and realign.
Safety sensors should have a solid green light on the receiving sensor and a solid amber light on the sending sensor. Blinking lights indicate misalignment.
Rule #6: Never Attempt DIY Spring Repairs
Torsion springs are under extreme tension — enough to cause fatal injuries if released uncontrolled. Never attempt to adjust, repair, or replace garage door springs yourself. This is a job for licensed professionals only.
Rule #7: Disconnect the Opener During Power Outages Carefully
Only pull the emergency release cord when the door is fully closed. Disconnecting the opener with the door open removes the counterbalance and the door can crash down. If you must open the door manually, have someone help support the weight.
Rule #8: Don't Stand Under a Moving Door
Never walk under a door that is in motion. Wait for it to fully open before entering or exiting. This applies to vehicles too — don't drive through until the door is completely open.
Rule #9: Inspect Cables and Springs Visually Every Month
Look for fraying cables, rust, or visible gaps in springs. If you notice anything unusual, stop using the door and call a technician. Frayed cables can snap without warning, causing the door to fall.
Rule #10: Schedule Annual Professional Inspections
A professional annual tune-up catches problems before they become dangerous. A technician will test all safety features, adjust spring tension, lubricate moving parts, and check the opener's force settings — all in about an hour.
Schedule your annual safety inspection today. Call 877-939-7176 — our certified technicians serve all 50 states with same-day availability.
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