Your home garage, full of sharp tools and hazardous chemical, can be one of the most dangerous rooms of your house – especially for children and pets.
You’ve no doubt taken precaution against these risks, placing them out of reach of young hands, paws and mouths, but have you also considered the safety of your garage doors?
Electric doors in particular can cause accidents and injuries in the garage – here are some important tips to make your garage door a danger-free zone for the whole family.
Always Fully Close or Open the Door
Rule number one – never leave your garage door partially open, particularly if it’s electric. When activated again, it may travel downward, closing on anything in its path. Don’t risk this happening to the kids and pets in your household. Even though there is a built in safety mechanism which will reverse the door, it could still injure a smaller person, pet or damage to your car if parked too close to the door. For this purpose, it’s important to have your Garage Door checked and serviced to ensure the sensitivity and working order of this mechanism.
Educate Your Kids
Have a talk to your kids about the potential dangers of the garage door, and make it clear that they need to be extra careful around that area of the house. Preventing accidents from occurring in the first place is key.
Also talk to anyone else who will be looking after your kids and/or pets in your home – they’ll need to know how the garage door works, and the potential risk it can be for little ones.
Check Your Door for Changes
Make a visual inspection of the garage door each month. Look at springs, cables, rollers and pulleys for signs of wear. Do not attempt to remove, adjust or repair these parts or anything attached to them. A trained garage door technician must make adjustments to these parts, which are under high tension.
Remote Controls Aren’t Toys
Always make sure the remote control that opens your garage door is out of reach of small children. Some children may think that the garage door remote is a toy for them to play with – don’t ever be tempted to let them play with it.
Emergency Release Can Save a Life
Consult the garage door owner’s manual and learn how to use the garage door’s emergency release feature – it could save a life, and you’d be surprised how many people don’t even know this feature exists.
Guard Your Remote Control
Thieves can gain access to your home by stealing the remote control or even the car itself, with the remote control inside. Never leave your remote control in the car or with a parking attendant. Consider using a key chain remote and always lock the entry to the inside of your home – especially if your opener is programmed to your vehicle. It is a small inconvenience to pay for safety and peace of mind.
If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your garage door, talk to the team at Impact Garage Doors. They can provide you with expert advice on the safest and best option for your Wollongong home. Call us on 02 4044 0809 or simply contact us online. Our garage door professionals can offer you a free quote and provide you with all the information you need.