Did you know your garage door is likely the heaviest item in your home? Too many homeowners overlook the risks that accompany these massive fixtures. According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, emergency rooms across the country treat up to 15,000 garage door-related injuries every year. Some stem from homeowners in need of garage door repairs; others come from homeowners who aren’t well-versed in proper operation. Either way, Doorworks of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, urges you to be safe with these five tips for safe garage door operation.

Top 5 Safety Tips for Homes With Garage Doors 

Never Give Out Passcodes

Too many homeowners are lax when it comes to keeping the passcode to their garage door opener a secret. Unless the person in question is a family member or close, trusted friend, operate under a better-safe-than-sorry mindset and keep the code to yourself.

Know How to Check Safety Sensors

The easiest way to prevent garage door-related injuries is to check the door’s safety sensors. About half a foot off the ground, these sensors are designed to stop the door and reverse its direction if they detect a person or animal in the way. To test, simply prompt the door to close and insert an object in its path. If it doesn’t immediately reverse, call a door service for repair.

Keep Remotes Out of Small Hands

Another another simple step that will go a long way towards preventing injury is to keep all garage door openers away from small children. Store them in high, hard-to-reach places to prevent curious hands from wreaking havoc.

Teach Children Door Safety Rules

Like any other appliance or machine in your home, children should be educated on proper safety precautions for garage doors. This means reviewing the dangers posed by your door, reminding kids to keep their fingers away when it’s opening and closing, and ensuring openers are left alone.

Test the Door

A properly functioning garage door should stop if you push down on it while it’s opening or push up while it’s closing. If it does not, there might be something amiss with the force settings. In this case, call your garage door repair specialist.

Are you looking for reliable garage door repair in the Wisconsin Rapids area? Call (715) 424-5777 to speak to a team member, or visit the Doorworks website to learn more about the company’s services.