As a parent, you want to do everything possible to keep your children safe. But did you know that your garage door could pose a serious danger to your kids?
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated 4,000 garage door-related injuries each year, and a large majority of those involve children.
One of the most common injuries is crushed fingers or hands, which can happen when kids try to play with the door while it's opening or closing. Another hazard is getting caught underneath the door, which can cause serious head and neck injuries.
To help prevent these accidents is primordial to check if the garage door is in good working order and to keep it properly maintained with the help of a professional garage door company such as Garage Door Repair Zionsville IN.
Additionally, here are some other tips to keep your garage door safe around kids:
Keep The Remote Control Out of Reach
If your garage door opener has a remote control, make sure to keep it out of your kids' reach. Also, teach them not to play with the button or push it when they're near the door. If your opener has a keypad, set the code so that it can only be used by adults. If there's no remote or keypad, make sure to keep the door itself locked when it's not in use.
Install Safety Sensors
Most newer garage doors come with safety sensors that detect when someone or something is in the way of the door and prevents it from closing. If your garage door doesn't have sensors, you can have them installed by a professional. If your garage door is old or damaged, it might not have sensors. In this case, you'll need to be extra careful to make sure that no one or nothing is in the way when you're operating the door. Operating a garage door can be dangerous if you're not careful. Always make sure that there's nothing in the way of the door before you start to close it, and never try to force it open or closed if something is blocking it.
Keep The Area Around the Garage Door Clear
Make sure there's nothing in the way of the garage door so it can move freely and without obstruction. This includes keeping toys, bikes, and lawn equipment out of the path of the door. Make sure there's nothing in the way of the garage door so it can move freely and without obstruction. This includes keeping toys, bikes, and lawn equipment out of the path of the door.
Never Leave the Garage Door Open
Even if you're just going to be gone for a few minutes, it's important to close the garage door. This will help prevent accidents and keep unwanted visitors out. If you're leaving for an extended period of time, it's also a good idea to disconnect the automatic opener. This will help ensure that your garage door doesn't inadvertently open while you're away, which could lead to theft or damage.
Teach Your Kids the Dangers of The Garage Door
It's important to talk to your kids about the dangers of the garage door and make sure they understand not to play with it or try to open it themselves. The garage door is very heavy and can cause serious injury if it falls on someone.
Consider A Garage Door Screen
If you have young children, you may want to consider installing a garage door screen. This will help keep them safe while allowing fresh air to circulate in the garage. There are many different styles of garage door screens available, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs.
Seal The Gaps
If there are any cracks or gaps around the garage door, make sure to seal them. This will help keep little fingers from getting pinched or crushed and will also help to keep out pests. Inspect the door regularly to make sure that it is still in good working order and that there are no signs of damage. If you notice any problems, make sure to call a professional to come and take a look.
Opener Maintenance
Make sure to properly maintain your garage door opener according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help ensure smooth operation and prevent accidents.
Lock Any Space A Child Could Hide Under the Door
If there is any space under your garage door where a child could hide, make sure to lock it. You can do this by installing a locking bar or by adding a padlock to the door itself. This will help prevent accidents and will also deter criminals from trying to break in through the garage door.
Keep Harmful Items Away from Children's Reach or Locked Up
If you have any harmful chemicals or other items stored in your garage, make sure to keep them out of children's reach or locked up. This includes things like oil, gasoline, and pesticides. These items should be stored in a safe place where children cannot access them.
Childproof Your Vehicles
If you have vehicles that are parked in the garage, make sure to childproof them. This includes things like making sure the doors are locked and the windows are up. You should also remove the keys from the ignition and store them in a safe place. This will help prevent any accidents or theft.
In Case of Emergency, Know How to Open the Door Manually
If the power goes out or the opener fails, you should know how to open the door manually. This is important in case of a fire or other emergency. Make sure to practice opening the door so that you can do it quickly in an emergency situation.
Install A Security System
Installing a security system is a good way to deter criminals and keep your family safe. This can include things like motion sensor lights, security cameras, and an alarm system. If you have a security system, make sure to test it regularly and keep the batteries fresh.
By following these tips, you can help keep your kids safe from the dangers of the garage door. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to a professional. They can help you assess the risks in your home and make sure that your family is safe.