Garage Door Safety Tips for Homes with Children and Pets

Garage door safety is a priority, especially in homes with children and pets.

The importance of garage door safety cannot be stressed enough, especially for families with children and pets. This blog shares some essential tips to help homeowners prevent accidents and maximize garage door safety at home.

Understanding the risks

Manufacturers have designed modern garage doors with numerous safety features. However, they are not devoid of potential hazards. From being dangerous obstacles for curious toddlers and pets to unknowingly presenting an accessibility issue for older kids, garage doors can pose various risks. 

If not correctly maintained, garage doors can close unexpectedly or fail to reverse, trapping a small child or animal inside. Additionally, small children who do not understand the dangers of garage doors may try to ride them while they ascend, leading to falls and injuries. In contrast, the gaps in sectional garage doors can pinch fingers and tails. And, without auto-reverse mechanisms, the door can crush objects, animals, or even a person.

Here is a look at some best garage door safety practices for homeowners with pets and families:

Keep remote controls out of reach

Young children can easily mistake a garage door remote for a toy, so it's important to keep these remotes out of reach to avoid mishaps. 

Maintain the garage door regularly

Regular maintenance helps detect any malfunctions early, which, in turn, prevents accidents. Investing in professional garage door maintenance services gives homeowners peace of mind that their young children or pets are safe to be present in the garage. 

Test the auto-reverse feature

Most modern garage doors have an auto-reverse mechanism that enables the door to reverse upon detecting any obstruction. Testing this feature periodically is advisable to ensure it works properly.

Teach safety measures to children

Many accidents can be prevented with simple awareness. Older children should be educated on the dangers and safety precautions associated with garage doors. This helps keep themselves and younger children safe. 

Garage safety products are another means of ensuring safety:

Pet and child detectors

Pet and child detectors can detect the movement of small children and animals around the door's pathway and halt the door's movement if one wanders in the door's path, preventing potential accidents.

Tamper-resistant door brackets

Tamper-resistant brackets help reduce the chances of accidents caused by children messing with the garage door's hardware.

Sectional doors

Compared to a single panel door, sectional doors minimize the components' exposure, reducing the risk of accidents.

Garage door safety is a priority, especially in homes with children and pets. While it's essential to be aware of the risks, taking appropriate measures can ensure safety. Professional garage door companies can assist homeowners in understanding the unique dangers their garage door poses while offering solutions to minimize these risks. Whether adopting best practices or investing in safety products, every step counts towards creating a safe environment at home.

Phoenician Garage Door & Repair offers full-service garage installation, repair and maintenance in Maricopa County. Emergency service available. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call (602)304-1313