Whether you are using your garage for parking, storage, projects, or extended living space, home safety is always a top priority to Arapahoe Garage Doors. However, without the proper knowledge, a garage door can pose a security threat. Therefore, we have created this list of essential garage door safety tips to help you stay safe.
Here are our top seven tips to ensure garage door safety in your home.
ONE: Maintain and Check Garage Door
Garage doors use many parts to function properly. Ensure the door opener and carriage assemblies are correctly installed and maintained. A qualified professional should always complete garage door repair to prevent damage to its hardware and overall function. You can schedule yearly checks and garage door repairs through your provider’s website.
Be sure to test the auto-reverse, sensors, and garage door components to ensure that each is working properly and has no damage. We recommend testing auto-reverse sensors with a roll of paper towels in the door’s path to keep your fingers out of harm’s way! Regular maintenance and repair is the best way to prevent any garage-door-related incidents.
TWO: Understand the Emergency Release Feature
It always pays to be prepared. That is why we recommend learning your garage door’s emergency release feature ahead of time. Your garage door installers should have shown you how to use this feature in case of an emergency or accident.
The emergency release feature offers you a way out of your home if the electricity in Littleton is out. This feature is also crucial if your garage door malfunctions or gets stuck. The emergency release is essential if your garage door requires updating, as some older systems lack battery backups.
THREE: Ensure High-Quality Safety Features in Garage Door Installation
Selecting an excellent quality garage door installation company is key. Great-quality installers offer dependable garage doors with up-to-date safety features. Some of these features have already been mentioned above.
Auto-reverse function monitors any obstruction or slight resistance in the door path; the door will automatically reverse to prevent accidents. Other safety features include mechanical release, pinch-resistant panels, and smart garage door openers. These features are designed to keep you and your family safe when operating and using garage doors.
FOUR: Keep Fingers Away from Door Panels
Be sure to avoid the garage door whenever it is in motion to prevent any injuries. Keep fingers or limbs away from the door, especially when in motion, to avoid pinching fingers. You do not want a garage door closing on you! If you have young children, consider a garage door with pinch-free panels.
Be sure to keep children and pets away from garage doors. Most incidents involve children or pets, so it is best to ensure the children are inside while the door operates. Also, keep any remote controls away or out of reach from pets and children for safety.
FIVE: Close the Garage Door Completely
The garage door should never be left partially open. If the door is left partially ajar, you will be unable to determine the direction the door may move, potentially damaging objects or injuring someone by accident.
The best way to prevent uninvited persons from entering your home is to ensure the garage door is always closed when no one is in the garage space. If your garage door is shut and the service door is locked, there is no risk of theft or injury.
SIX: Disconnect Remote While Away
Garage door openers should be turned off while you are away on holiday. Garage door opener units come with a "vacation" mode, which you can use while not at home. Vacation mode is a standard security feature these days.
If your garage door does not have a vacation mode, unplug the door opener unit to keep your home and family safe. Whether you use vacation mode, unplug the unit, or lock the door, the door should not be usable while you are away.
SEVEN: Prevent Theft and Invasion
Modern garage doors often come with a "rolling-code" technology to automatically change pin codes on the remote control. If your door does not have this feature, be sure to change your code every so often to prevent code-grabbing by thieves.
It is essential never to leave your garage door opener in your car to prevent it from being stolen while your vehicle is parked. Instead, we recommend keeping it on your person at all times to prevent theft!
Finally, always close your garage door, and be sure nothing will spark the auto-reverse feature before entering your home. And, always lock your service door when you leave!
Littleton Garage Door Repair & Installation You Can Trust
An automatic garage door is an excellent addition to any home, especially during Colorado’s colder months. Securing your garage door is the first step to safety in your home.
Are you looking for a great garage door installer you can trust? No need to Google "garage door installers near me"! Trustworthy, quality Littleton garage door installation is just a phone call away. Arapahoe Garage Doors are your go-to service provider, serving the Littleton area for 25 years with a long track record of success. Contact us for a quote or service questions; we are happy to help and your safety is always our top priority!