As the school year begins, families in Tucson are settling back into their busy routines. From early morning carpools to after-school activities, your garage door plays a big role in keeping your household running smoothly. But with more activity comes a greater need for safety.
At A-Authentic, we care about your family’s safety and want to share some important tips to ensure your garage door is operating securely.
1. Check the Safety Sensors
Garage doors equipped with automatic openers are designed with safety sensors that detect obstacles in the door’s path. These sensors are critical for preventing accidents, especially with kids running in and out. Take a few minutes to test them:
- How to Test: Place an object, like a roll of paper towels, in the path of the closing door. If the door doesn’t stop and reverse, your sensors may need an adjustment or repair.
- Action: Call a professional to recalibrate or repair the sensors if necessary.
2. Educate Your Kids
Children should be made aware that garage doors are not toys. Teach them never to stand under the door when it’s closing or opening and not to play with the remote or wall button. Here’s how to keep them safe:
- Tip: Create a designated area in your home for the garage door remote and explain that it’s only for adults to use.
- Tip: Show them how to safely exit the garage in case of an emergency.
3. Inspect the Cables and Springs
Garage door cables and springs are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous if broken. A visual inspection can help prevent accidents.
- Look for: Fraying cables, rust on springs, or any unusual noises during operation.
- Warning: Never attempt to repair or adjust these parts on your own. Contact a professional for any necessary repairs.
4. Ensure Remote Controls Are Out of Reach
Garage door remote controls should always be kept out of reach of young children. It’s tempting for kids to play with buttons, but accidentally opening or closing the door could result in injury.
- Tip: Store remotes in a high place or inside your car, where curious little hands can’t reach them.
5. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
Most modern garage doors come with an auto-reverse feature, which will stop the door and reverse its direction if it comes into contact with an object.
- How to Test: Place a block of wood or another object under the closing door. If it doesn’t automatically reverse upon hitting the object, this safety feature may need attention.
- Tip: If your door does not reverse, schedule a professional inspection immediately to prevent accidents.
6. Keep Fingers Away from Moving Parts
Kids are often curious about how things work, and garage doors are no exception. Make sure children know to keep their fingers away from moving parts like hinges, tracks, and the actual door panels.
- Safety Tip: Consider investing in a garage door with pinch-resistant panels for added protection.
7. Perform Regular Maintenance
One of the best ways to ensure safety is through regular maintenance. Lubricating moving parts, tightening bolts, and checking balance can help keep your garage door in top condition.
- Service Tip: Schedule a professional tune-up at least once a year to address wear and tear and identify any potential hazards.
Stay Safe This School Year!
As life gets busier, don’t forget to prioritize safety around your home. By following these back-to-school garage door safety tips, you can ensure your family’s daily routines are safe and smooth. If you need assistance with any garage door repairs or maintenance, A-Authentic is here to help.