5 min read Mike Johnson
Garage doors are incredibly convenient, but they're also one of the heaviest moving objects in most homes. A standard two-car garage door can weigh 300-400 pounds, and the springs that lift it are under tremendous tension. Understanding garage door safety is essential for protecting your family.
Before diving into safety tips, it's important to understand what can go wrong:
- Crushing injuries: A closing door exerts significant force - Entrapment: People, pets, or objects can get trapped under a closing door - Spring injuries: High-tension springs can cause severe injury if they break or are improperly handled - Electrical hazards: Faulty wiring or damaged openers pose shock and fire risks
Fortunately, modern garage doors include numerous safety features, and proper maintenance and awareness can prevent most accidents.
All garage door openers manufactured after 1993 are required to have an auto-reverse feature that stops and reverses the door if it encounters an obstruction. To test this:
1. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path 2. Close the door using the opener 3. The door should reverse immediately upon touching the board
If the door doesn't reverse, stop using the opener until it's repaired or replaced.
Photo-eye sensors (the small sensors near the floor on each side of the door) prevent the door from closing when the beam is broken. Test these monthly by:
1. Start closing the door with the opener 2. Wave an object (like a broom) in front of one sensor 3. The door should immediately stop and reverse
Clean the sensor lenses regularly with a soft cloth, as dust and debris can affect their operation.
Garage door remotes are not toys. Children should never be allowed to play with remote controls or wall buttons. Store remotes out of reach, and consider:
- Using keychain remotes that stay on your person, Installing wall buttons at least 5 feet from the floor, Using smart openers that can be controlled only from your secured smartphone
Teach all family members to wait until the door is fully open or closed before passing through. Even with safety features, it's best not to risk it. The few seconds you save aren't worth the potential injury.
In case of power outages or opener malfunctions, you need to know how to operate the door manually:
1. Locate the red emergency release cord hanging from the opener trolley 2. Pull the cord down and toward the opener motor to disengage it 3. You can now open and close the door by hand
Practice this occasionally so you're prepared in an emergency. Important: Never use the emergency release if the door is open, as the door could come crashing down if a spring is broken.
A partially open door is an invitation for intruders and can be dangerous if it suddenly falls. Always fully open or close your garage door. If you want ventilation, keep the door fully open and install a screen.
An annual inspection by a qualified technician can identify potential problems before they become safety hazards. Professional maintenance includes:
- Checking spring tension and condition, Lubricating moving parts, Inspecting cables for wear, Testing safety features, Tightening loose hardware
If someone becomes trapped under a garage door:
1. Do not try to lift the door yourself if it's stuck 2. Call 911 if there's an injury 3. If safe, use the emergency release to disengage the opener 4. Call a professional for stuck doors
For broken springs or cables:
1. Do not attempt to operate the door 2. Keep everyone away from the door 3. Call a professional immediately
From an early age, teach children:
- The garage door is not a toy, Never stand, walk, or run under a moving door, Keep fingers and hands away from door sections, Tell an adult if the door is making strange noises, Never touch the springs or cables
At Garage Door Hayward, safety is our top priority. We offer comprehensive safety inspections and can upgrade older doors with modern safety features. Contact us at 510-650-1439 to schedule an inspection and ensure your family's safety.