Garage doors are a vital part of everyday life, offering convenience, security, and protection from the elements. However, they also present a significant safety risk if not properly maintained or used. Every year, thousands of people are injured in garage door-related accidents, many of which occur in homes where the danger wasn’t even recognized. These injuries range from minor pinches and bruises to serious fractures and, in rare cases, fatalities.
Avoiding these disasters starts with awareness and preventive action. In this article, we’ll cover the top safety tips every homeowner should follow to keep their garage door system operating safely and smoothly. Plus, we’ll explain why Garage Door Experts of New England is the go-to choice for Boston homeowners who want trusted, reliable service.
Why Garage Door Safety Matters
A typical garage door weighs between 130 and 400 pounds. It opens and closes multiple times a day and relies on a complex system of springs, cables, sensors, and motors to function correctly. When any part of this system fails, it can result in a dangerous situation—especially if young children, pets, or elderly family members are nearby.
Common garage door injuries include:
- Pinched or crushed fingers
- Impact injuries from falling doors
- Entrapment under closing doors
- Lacerations from broken glass panels
- Injuries from DIY repair attempts
Most of these accidents can be prevented by following a few essential safety practices.
Top Safety Tips to Prevent Garage Door Injuries
1. Inspect and Maintain Regularly
Just like your car, your garage door needs periodic inspections and maintenance. Visual checks should include:
- Frayed or loose cables
- Rusted or bent tracks
- Broken or worn-out rollers
- Unusual squeaking or grinding noises
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s time to call a professional.
2. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature
The auto-reverse mechanism is a built-in safety feature that prevents the door from closing on a person or object. To test it:
- Place a solid object like a block of wood or a roll of paper towels under the door.
- Close the garage door using the opener.
- If the door doesn’t automatically reverse when it hits the object, your system needs repair.
This test should be performed monthly to ensure everything is functioning as it should.
3. Keep Safety Sensors Clean and Aligned
Garage door openers include photo-eye sensors mounted near the bottom of the door tracks. These sensors detect motion or obstacles in the door’s path. If the lenses are dirty or misaligned, the door may not stop or reverse in time.
Clean them with a soft cloth and ensure they’re pointing directly at each other. If the indicator light is flashing or off, it may mean they are misaligned or malfunctioning.
4. Teach Children Garage Door Safety
Children often view garage doors as fascinating, but they should never be treated as toys. Teach your kids:
- Never run under a moving garage door.
- Keep fingers away from door panels and joints.
- Never hang or climb on the door.
- Use wall controls only when necessary and under supervision.
Keep remote controls out of reach of young children to prevent unintentional operation.
5. Use the Manual Release Correctly
Every garage door opener includes a manual release cord—usually a red handle. In the event of a power outage or mechanical failure, this allows you to open the door manually. Familiarize yourself with its location and function, and test it periodically.
However, never pull the release handle while the door is open, as this can cause the heavy door to come crashing down.
6. Avoid DIY Repairs on High-Tension Components
Torsion springs and cables are under extreme tension. When they break or become misaligned, they can snap violently and cause serious injury. These components should only be handled by trained professionals.
Attempting to fix them yourself not only risks your safety but could worsen the problem, leading to costlier repairs down the road.
Why Boston Trusts Garage Door Experts of New England
Boston homeowners have come to rely on Garage Door Experts of New England for all their garage door safety, repair, and maintenance needs to prevent garage door injuries. Here’s why they’re such a trusted name in the area:
- Local Expertise: As a locally owned and operated company, they understand the unique weather conditions and building styles of the New England region.
- Highly Trained Technicians: Every technician is licensed, insured, and extensively trained to handle everything from spring replacements to safety system upgrades.
- Emergency Services: Garage door problems don’t always happen during business hours. That’s why Garage Door Experts of New England offers 24/7 emergency service, ensuring you’re never left stuck or unsafe.
- Transparent Pricing: Boston residents appreciate honest, upfront pricing with no surprise fees or hidden costs. Estimates are clear and fair.
- Commitment to Safety: They go above and beyond to ensure your system meets all safety standards, even offering regular safety tune-ups and inspections.
Final Thoughts
Your garage door is more than a convenience—it’s a heavy, mechanical system that requires respect and regular care. Accidents can happen in an instant, but the vast majority are preventable with basic safety practices and professional maintenance.
If you live in the Boston area, don’t leave your garage door safety to chance. Trust Garage Door Experts of New England to inspect, repair, and maintain your system with precision and care. Your safety—and the safety of your loved ones—deserves nothing less.
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