If your home has an automatic garage door opener, you may not have considered how secure it is. Unfortunately, thanks to an emergency lever on most automatic garage doors, they are relatively easy to break into. If you are worried about your door’s security, MP Garage Doors in Dothan, AL, can help you make improvements so you, your family, and your valuable possessions are safe.

5 Ways to Improve Your Garage Door Opener’s Security

1. Disable or Lock the Emergency Release Lever

It’s easy to break into a home through the garage thanks to this lever. You can either remove the cord (which is usually red) or place a zip tie, wire, or pin through the hole where the cord attaches. You can still use the release lever from inside the garage in case of a power outage, but those outside will be unable to break in.

2. Keep Windows Covered

If you are considering buying a garage door with windows, choose one with windows that are darkly tinted or frosted. This makes it more difficult for would-be burglars to see what’s in your garage. If your existing garage door has windows, use plastic tarp or another material to cover them.

3. Forego Convenience

One of the most drastic measures you can take is to stop using an automatic garage door opener altogether. Instead, you could manually lock the door, but this means getting in and out of your car every time you come home to unlock it. You might also have to worry about whether you remembered to lock it in the first place.

4. Get a Keychain Remote

Garage door opener remotes are convenient, and you can leave it clipped to your visor. Unfortunately, that means anyone who comes near your car will see an easy way to break into your home. You can eliminate this possibility by swapping out the visor-clip remote for one that attaches to your keys instead.

5. Keep the Entry to Your House Locked

A lot of homeowners leave the door that goes from the garage into the house unlocked, assuming their garage door is secure. In reality, this is one of the easiest entry points for burglars unless you’ve taken one of the above measures. Keeping the entry door into your home locked ensures that even if someone breaks into your garage, they'll have a hard time getting into your home.

Whether you need a new opener or a new door altogether, the professionals at MP Garage Doors can help. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call them at (334) 793-2089 to get a quote.