How to Keep Your Family Safe from Garage Door and Sliding Door Problems Causing Injury

1/16/20242 min read

fire in black background with black background
fire in black background with black background

When it comes to household safety, it's important to pay attention to potential hazards that can cause injury, such as garage doors and sliding doors. These entry points can pose risks if not properly maintained and used. To ensure the safety of your family, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for both garage doors and sliding doors. Inspect them periodically to identify any signs of wear and tear. Lubricate the moving parts to prevent them from sticking or becoming noisy. Check the cables, springs, and tracks for any damage or loose parts. If you notice any issues, it's important to address them promptly by contacting a professional repair service.

Proper Installation

Whether you're installing a new garage door or a sliding door, it's essential to ensure proper installation. Improper installation can lead to malfunctions and increase the risk of accidents. Hire a reputable and experienced professional to handle the installation process. They will ensure that everything is properly aligned, secure, and functioning correctly.

Safety Features

Both garage doors and sliding doors should be equipped with safety features to prevent accidents. Garage doors should have an auto-reverse mechanism that detects objects in its path and immediately stops and reverses the door's movement. Test this feature regularly to ensure it's working correctly. Sliding doors should have safety locks and sensors to prevent them from closing on someone or trapping fingers. Teach your family members, especially children, about these safety features and how to use them properly.

Supervision and Education

Supervision and education are key to preventing accidents. Make sure that children are always supervised when near garage doors or sliding doors. Teach them about the potential dangers and how to use these entry points safely. Emphasize the importance of not playing with the doors or attempting to operate them without adult supervision.

Proper Usage

Using garage doors and sliding doors properly is essential for safety. Avoid standing or walking under a moving garage door, as it can cause serious injury if it falls. Never try to manually force a garage door or slide a sliding door when it's stuck. Instead, contact a professional repair service to address the issue. Teach family members to keep their fingers away from the edges of sliding doors to prevent them from getting pinched.

Emergency Preparedness

Even with all the precautions in place, emergencies can still happen. It's important to be prepared for such situations. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to manually operate the garage door in case of a power outage or malfunction. Keep emergency contact numbers handy for professional repair services. Consider installing a backup battery system for your garage door opener to ensure it can still function during power outages.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries caused by garage doors and sliding doors. Regular maintenance, proper installation, and education are key to keeping your family safe. Remember, safety should always be a top priority in every household.