2023-12-28 8 min read Sarah Williams
# Child Safety Features: Protecting Your Family
Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes, weighing anywhere from 150 to over 400 pounds. While modern safety features have dramatically reduced injuries, garage doors still pose real risks, especially to children. Understanding and maintaining safety features isn't just important.it's essential for protecting your family.
Every year, thousands of injuries occur from garage doors in the United States. Children are particularly vulnerable because:
- They may not understand the dangers, Their smaller size makes them harder to see, They're naturally curious about moving machinery, They may use the garage as a play area, They might not react quickly enough to avoid a closing door
The good news is that modern garage door systems include multiple safety features designed to prevent injuries. Let's explore each one and how to ensure they're working properly.
Since 1993, all garage door openers sold in the United States must include photo-eye sensors. These sensors create an invisible beam across the door opening, approximately six inches above the ground.
How They Work: - One sensor transmits an infrared beam, The other sensor receives the beam, If anything breaks the beam, the door stops and reverses, Most sensors have indicator lights showing proper alignment
Maintenance Tips: - Clean lenses monthly with a soft, dry cloth, Check alignment if sensors get bumped, Test monthly by placing an object in the beam's path, Replace sensors if indicator lights don't illuminate properly
The auto-reverse feature senses resistance when the door contacts an object. This mechanical safety system works even if the photo-eyes fail.
Testing Auto-Reverse: 1. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground where the door closes 2. Activate the door to close 3. When the door touches the board, it should reverse within two seconds 4. If it doesn't reverse, adjust the close force or call a professional
Adjustment: Most openers have a force adjustment screw. If the door doesn't reverse properly: - Decrease the close force setting, Retest until the door reverses on contact, Don't set force too low or the door may reverse on its own weight
Every automatic garage door opener includes a manual release, typically a red cord hanging from the trolley.
Teaching Children: - Show older children how to use the emergency release, Explain it's only for emergencies, Practice during power outages, Store a written reminder near the release
This feature automatically closes the door after a set time. Benefits include:
- Prevents doors left open accidentally, Reduces risk of unauthorized entry, Gives visual and audible warnings before closing, Most can be overridden if needed
Built-in lights that activate with motion:
- Illuminate the garage when entering, Alert you to activity in the garage, Discourage intruders, Help prevent trips and falls
Keeps safety features working during power outages:
- Photo-eyes remain functional, Auto-reverse continues working, Allows normal operation during blackouts, Essential if garage is primary entry point
WiFi-connected openers offer additional safety benefits:
- Receive alerts when door opens or closes, Check status remotely, Close door from anywhere if left open, Monitor for unusual activity patterns
Beyond mechanical safety features, consider these practices:
Teach children: - Never to run under a moving door, That the garage door is not a toy, To keep hands and fingers away from door sections, To tell an adult if they see something wrong with the door, That the wall button is not for playing
Schedule professional inspections to: - Test all safety features, Check springs and cables for wear, Ensure proper door balance, Verify sensor alignment, Adjust force settings if needed
If you discover a safety feature isn't working:
1. Stop using the automatic opener immediately 2. Use the manual release to operate the door by hand 3. Keep children away from the garage 4. Contact a professional for repairs
Never disable or bypass safety features, even temporarily. The risk of serious injury isn't worth the convenience.
If your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993, it likely lacks modern safety features. Consider upgrading to a new system that includes:
- Photo-eye sensors, Auto-reverse mechanism, Rolling code technology, Smart home compatibility, Battery backup
The investment in a new opener is minimal compared to the peace of mind and protection it provides.
Contact Garage Door Bellflower if you experience:
- Photo-eyes that won't stay aligned, Auto-reverse that doesn't work consistently, Strange noises during operation, Door that won't stay in position, Any concerns about safety feature function
Our technicians specialize in safety inspections and can ensure your garage door system protects your family properly.
Your garage door's safety features are your family's protection against serious injury. Regular testing, maintenance, and attention to potential hazards keep these systems working when you need them most. If you have any concerns about your garage door's safety features, don't wait.contact Garage Door Bellflower at 562-600-5446 for a comprehensive safety inspection.
Your family's safety is our priority.