Overhead garage doors can pose unique dangers for children. Parents and guardians must teach their little ones how to stay safe around these automatic doors. Here are four tips to promote safe operation.

Overhead Garage Door Safety for Kids

1. Keep the Opener Stored Away

Never let children play with an overhead garage door opener. Repeatedly pushing the button or flicking the switch may seem harmless, but it can take a toll on the door mechanisms as they race to open and close the door on command. Explain why you don’t want the kids playing with the opener and keep it out of reach.

2. Explain the Sensors

During the garage door installation, the contractors should add sensors near the bottom of the door tracks. These small lenses project a laser that will stop the garage door from going all the way down if something is in the way. Make sure your kids know about these sensors, so they keep themselves and their toys away from the door.

3. Share What Areas Are Dangerous

Simply stating that the overhead garage door is dangerous likely won’t sink in with children. Instead, point out the troublesome areas like around the tracks, springs, lifting cables, and door sensors. Teach little ones they should never touch these areas and make sure they understand that it’s not a toy. 

4. Teach Them to Stay Out of the Way

Families with several kids may benefit from designating a garage door traffic boss. This sibling will be in charge of making sure the door is free of obstructions when you go to open it. They’ll keep their younger siblings out of the way and promote safety while enjoying this responsibility. If your kids are too young for this task, take on the role yourself to keep the door free of obstructions, and encourage safe use.

 

Families interested in overhead garage door services should contact Central Garage Door in Columbia County, MO. The small business offers 32 years of experience providing garage door installations, repairs, and maintenance. Call the Grasslands-area company at (573) 886-7810 or visit the website for information on their design experts who can help choose the perfect door design for your home.