Garage doors are an essential part of our homes, providing protection and easy access for our vehicles and personal belongings. However, it’s important to remember that they are not just functional but can also pose a serious threat to the safety of our children. According to statistics garage doors are responsible for numerous accidents and injuries every year, and in some cases they can even be fatal.
As parents and guardians we must take proactive steps to ensure that our garage doors are safe for our little ones. From prioritizing that the door’s safety features are functioning correctly to teaching our children about garage door safety, there are several measures we can take to minimize the risk of accidents.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some essential safety tips for Texas families to childproof their garage doors and keep their children safe. We’ll cover everything from checking the door’s safety sensors to installing safety locks and providing education to our children about garage door safety.
By following these tips, we can create a safer environment for our children and give ourselves peace of mind. After all, the safety of our children should always be our top priority and it’s essential to take every precaution to protect them from potential hazards. So let’s get started and explore the various ways we can childproof our garage doors and ensure the safety of our little ones.
Keep the Remote Out of Reach
One of the most common mistakes we make as parents is leaving the garage door remote within reach of children. It’s easy to leave the remote on the car seat or a low-lying surface, but this can be dangerous as children can accidentally press the button, causing the door to close on them or on any object obstructing the doorway. It’s important to store the remote in a safe place, preferably high up and out of reach of children.
Another option is to use a keychain remote that can be attached to your keys or worn around your neck. This way, you can be sure that the remote is always with you and not within reach of children. Additionally, it’s important to teach children about the dangers of playing with the remote or trying to operate the door themselves.
Install Photo-Eye Sensors
If your garage door doesn’t have photo-eye sensors installed, it’s crucial to consider having them installed. Photo-eye sensors are safety devices that detect any object obstructing the door’s path and prevent it from closing if there’s an obstruction. These sensors work by projecting a beam of light across the doorway, and if the beam is interrupted, the door won’t close.
Photo-eye sensors are especially important if you have young children who may not be aware of the dangers of playing near the garage door. They can prevent accidents and injuries caused by the door closing on a child or object, such as a bike or toy, that’s in the door’s path.
Check for Wear and Tear
Like any mechanical object, garage doors are subject to wear and tear over time. It’s important to inspect your garage door regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, loose bolts, or damaged panels. Any of these issues can cause the door to malfunction, potentially causing harm to children or damage to property.
If you notice any issues, it’s imperative to contact a professional to repair them immediately. Don’t attempt to repair the garage door yourself, as it can be dangerous and may cause further damage to the door or even injury to yourself.
Educate Children
Another important factor in childproofing your garage door is to educate children about the dangers of playing near the door or trying to open/close it themselves. Children should know that the garage door is not a toy and that they should always keep a safe distance from it when it’s in use.
It’s also essential to teach children not to place any objects, including their hands, in the door’s path when it’s closing. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that children are aware of the remote’s dangers and that they should never play with it or operate the door themselves.
Consider a Timer-to-Close Feature
Another safety feature that can be beneficial in childproofing your garage door is a timer-to-close feature. Some garage door openers have this feature, which automatically closes the door after a set amount of time, preventing it from being left open accidentally.
This feature is particularly useful if you have children who may forget to close the garage door after leaving the house. It’s important to note that this feature should never be used as a substitute for proper maintenance and childproofing of the garage door
Final Words: Childproofing Your Garage Door for the Safety of Texas Families
Child safety is an essential task for parents and guardians and childproofing your garage door is an often-overlooked aspect of making sure your home is safe for the little ones. By keeping the remote out of reach, installing photo-eye sensors, checking for wear and tear, educating children, and considering a timer-to-close feature, parents and guardians can ensure their garage door is safe for children.
In addition to these safety tips, it’s crucial to remember that garage doors are heavy and can cause serious harm if not properly maintained or childproofed. It’s important to have your garage door regularly inspected and maintained by a professional to prevent any potential accidents or injuries.
By taking these safety precautions, you can help ensure that your children are safe and secure in their own home. As parents and guardians, it’s our responsibility to keep our children out of harm’s way and childproofing your garage door is just one step in creating a safe and secure environment for your family.
Remember, taking the time to childproof your garage door is a small investment that can have a major impact on the safety and well-being of your children. Don’t let this often-overlooked detail of home safety go ignored. Take action today and make sure your garage door is safe for your little ones.
If you require any type of garage door repair and maintenance services your answer is Veteran Garage Door. We have a team of professionals who will take care of your garage door. Also If you are looking to install new garage doors we can help you out with a wide variety of garage doors options along with some amazing warranties and free installation. Contact us today!
