Residential Garage Door Safety: A Comprehensive Guide
Garage doors are a common sight in homes across the country. They provide a convenient way to access the garage and store vehicles, tools, and other belongings. However, garage doors can also be dangerous if they are not properly used or maintained.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of residential garage door safety and provide tips for keeping your family safe. We will also cover some common garage door safety hazards and how to avoid them.
The Importance of Residential Garage Door Safety
Garage doors are heavy and can cause serious injuries if they are not properly used or maintained. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated 30,000 garage door-related injuries each year in the United States. Of these injuries, approximately 10,000 are children under the age of 10.
The most common garage door-related injuries are fingertip amputations, lacerations, and head injuries. These injuries can occur when people are caught in the path of a closing garage door, when they reach into the path of a moving garage door, or when they are struck by a falling garage door.
In addition to injuries, garage doors can also pose a fire hazard. If a garage door is not properly closed, it can allow smoke and fire to spread from the garage to the rest of the home. This can be a serious danger to occupants of the home, especially if they are asleep.
Tips for Residential Garage Door Safety
There are a number of things you can do to keep your family safe from garage door injuries. Here are some tips:
- Keep children and pets away from garage doors when they are in use.
- Install safety features on your garage door.
- Test your garage door safety features regularly.
- Keep your garage door in good repair.
- Use a garage door opener with a safety reversing feature.
- Teach your children about garage door safety.
- Be aware of the dangers of leaving your garage door open.
Here are some more details on each of these tips:
There are a number of common garage door safety hazards that you should be aware of. These include:
- Keep children and pets away from garage doors when they are in use. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to garage door injuries, so it is important to keep them away from the door when it is moving. One way to do this is to install a safety gate at the bottom of the garage door.
- Install safety features on your garage door. Most garage doors come with safety features such as photo eyes and edge sensors. These features can help to prevent injuries by stopping the door if it detects something in its path. Make sure that your garage door is equipped with these features and that they are working properly.
- Test your garage door safety features regularly. It is important to test your garage door safety features regularly to make sure they are working properly. You can do this by placing a small object in the path of the door and then watching to see if the door stops.
- Keep your garage door in good repair. Make sure your garage door is properly lubricated and that all of the parts are in good working order. If you notice any problems with your garage door, have them repaired immediately.
- Use a garage door opener with a safety reversing feature. Garage door openers with safety reversing features are designed to stop the door if it detects something in its path. This can help to prevent injuries if someone is accidentally caught in the door.
- Teach your children about garage door safety. Make sure your children know the importance of staying away from garage doors when they are in use. Teach them how to use the safety features on your garage door and how to open and close the door safely.
- Be aware of the dangers of leaving your garage door open. Leaving your garage door open can pose a number of dangers, including the risk of theft, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure to close and lock your garage door whenever you leave your home.
Common Garage Door Safety Hazards
There are a number of common garage door safety hazards that you should be aware of. These include:
- Garage door openers with no safety reversing feature. Older garage door openers may not have safety reversing features. If you have an older garage door opener, it is important to have it upgraded with a safety reversing feature.
- Garage doors that are not properly lubricated. A garage door that is not properly lubricated can be difficult to open and close. This can create a hazard if someone is trying to open or close the door and it suddenly jams.
- Garage doors that are not properly maintained. A garage door that is not properly maintained can be a safety hazard. Make sure to have your garage door inspected and repaired regularly by a qualified technician.
- Garage doors that are left open. Leaving your garage door open can pose a number of dangers, including the risk of theft, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure to close and lock your garage door whenever you leave your home.
Conclusion
Garage doors can be a valuable asset to your home, but they can also pose a safety hazard if they are not used properly. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help to keep your family safe from garage door injuries.
Email: service@mc-doors.com Website: https://mastercraftgaragedoorservice.com/
1440 W Houston Ave Unit 6 Gilbert, AZ 85233