A typical garage door weighs between 300 and 400 pounds, and is generally the one of the heaviest moving objects in the home. With this in mind, garage door accidents can lead to severe and potentially fatal injuries. Consider the following safety guidance to help protect both yourself and your family from the risk of garage door injuries.
Tips for You 
- Install a push button for your garage door that’s at least 5 feet above the floor and out of the reach of small children.
- Consider replacing your garage door opener if it was manufactured before January 1, 1993. After this date, federal law required manufacturers to install an automatic feature that reverses the door if it comes in contact with objects while closing.
- Be sure to test the automatic feature regularly by placing a piece of wood on the ground and then closing the door. If the door does not reverse, hire a professional to either replace or repair the door.
- Inspect your garage door’s pulleys, cables, rollers and springs on a regular basis and look for worn or damaged parts.
- Contact a professional to make any repairs, as the hardware on a garage door is under extreme tension and could cause major injuries if it is handled or repaired incorrectly.
Tips for Your Kids
Give your kids the following advice to keep them safe:
- Do not stand, walk or run under a closing garage door.
- Never play under or near the garage door, even when it’s open.
Educate Your Children on Garage Door Safety
Teach little ones that garage doors are not toys. They should know to remain extremely cautious when you or another adult is opening and closing the garage door. Once your children are old enough, teach them how to use the emergency release in case someone gets pinned by the door.
For additional garage door guidance and auto insurance solutions, contact us today.