Not only is your garage door the focal point of your home in many ways, it also welcomes people in, protects your vehicles and other equipment, and provides a convenient point of entry and exit. One thing many people neglect to think about is the safety aspect of their garage door.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 30,000 injuries arise annually from malfunctioning garage doors, with many of those accidents involving children. After there were 46 confirmed deaths of children between 1982 and 1990, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990 was put in place that required all residential garage door operators manufactured after 1991 to meet stringent entrapment protection standards. One of the safety precautions stipulates that automatic garage door systems manufactured today must have a safety reversing or automatic shut-off system.

Even with the evolving technology and safety standards we have today, the onus is on the homeowner to stay on top of regular maintenance to ensure their garage doors, garage door openers and sensors are working properly. Anything from routine maintenance to precautionary equipment can help prevent serious injury or death to children, pets and even adults. This can also prevent costly property damage at the very least.

Safety Tips

While you should leave the repairs, inspections, installations and service checks up to the professionals at M&M Garage Doors, there are certainly steps you can take on your own to ensure the safety of your garage doors.

  • Keep the remote control out of reach of small children.
  • Know how to use your garage door’s emergency release feature.
  • Conduct a visual inspection of your garage door every month, concentrating on the springs, cables, pulleys, and the door itself for signs of wear and tear.
  • Test the reverse mechanism by putting a 2×4 board or even a roll of paper towels in the path of the door. If the door, upon coming into contact with the object, doesn’t automatically reverse, call us immediately.
  • Explain the dangers of garage doors with your children. Keep fingers and all objects away from the garage door, especially ones with panels.
  • Never leave a garage door open partway. When you activate the opener, it may continue its path downward and entrap objects. This is also a security issue as well.
  • If going away on vacation, unplug the garage door opener unit or employ the use of a vacation lock security switch if you have one.
  • Don’t leave the garage door opener in your car or give it to a valet parking attendant.
  • Never attempt to remove parts, repair anything or make adjustments on your own. Always call a trusted professional for these jobs.

How We Help at M&M

The garage door technicians at M&M Garage Doors are here for you 24×7 whenever you have an issue. Safety is our primary concern, so don’t hesitate to call us for a repair that needs immediate attention. We also provide regular inspections, troubleshooting, repair, servicing, maintenance and parts replacement. Schedule your appointment with us at 586-610-5434 today!