Garage doors are one of the largest and heaviest moving parts in a home, and while they offer convenience and security, they can also pose safety risks if not used or maintained properly. For families with children or pets, these risks can increase when doors are older, poorly maintained, or not equipped with up-to-date safety features.
This guide covers the top garage door safety tips to help protect the people and pets in your home. By following a few practical steps and knowing what to look for, you can reduce the chances of accidents, equipment failure, or costly repairs.
Garage Door Safety Tip #1 – Test Your Garage Door Safety Sensors Regularly
Garage door safety sensors are designed to detect objects or movement in the path of the door while it’s closing. These sensors are often located a few inches above the ground on both sides of the door opening. If they are blocked or malfunctioning, the door should automatically reverse to avoid injury or damage.
Testing your safety sensors is a simple but important part of routine upkeep. To test them:
- Place a small object (like a cardboard box) in the path of the door
- Attempt to close the door using the remote or wall switch
- The door should detect the obstruction and reverse immediately
If the door continues to close or the sensors seem unresponsive, the system should be inspected by a qualified technician. Faulty sensors are a common cause of accidents and are one of the most overlooked garage door safety risks.
Keeping your safety sensors in working condition is one of the most effective garage door safety tips for families with children or pets who may unknowingly cross under a closing door.
Garage Door Safety Tip #2 – Keep Remotes and Wall Controls Out of Reach
Garage door openers offer convenience, but when remote controls or wall-mounted buttons are accessible to young children, they can become a hazard. Accidental activation of the door can lead to injuries or equipment damage, especially if someone or something is near the door’s path.
To improve safety:
- Mount wall buttons at least five feet from the ground
- Store handheld remotes in a secure location (not clipped to a backpack or left in reach)
- Use keypad systems with a security code rather than an always-available remote
- Teach children that garage door controls are not toys
This simple adjustment is one of the most practical garage door safety tips for families with small children. Keeping control devices out of reach can help prevent unintended use and reduce the risk of injury.
Garage Door Safety Tip #3 – Don’t Let Pets Wander Near the Door While in Use
Many families let pets roam freely in the garage or use it as a transition space during outdoor time. While this may seem harmless, it can become dangerous when the garage door is in motion. Pets can move unpredictably, and automatic garage doors can close quickly, leaving little time to react.
To keep pets safe:
- Avoid letting pets walk under the door while it’s opening or closing
- Teach children not to activate the door if a pet is near the opening
- Consider installing a visual or audible alert to signal when the door is in motion
- If your pet uses the garage door entrance regularly, supervise every entry and exit
Garage doors may not always detect small pets if sensors are misaligned or blocked, which makes this one of the most important garage door safety tips for pet owners. Being cautious during use helps prevent accidents and injuries.
Garage Door Safety Tip #4 – Schedule Routine Maintenance
Garage doors are mechanical systems with multiple moving parts, and like any system, they need regular attention to continue operating safely. For families and pet owners, routine maintenance is one of the most effective garage door safety tips you can follow.
A standard maintenance check includes:
- Inspecting springs, cables, and rollers for wear
- Lubricating moving parts to reduce strain
- Testing safety sensors and auto-reverse functions
- Checking alignment and balance of the door
- Confirming the opener responds properly to commands
Neglecting maintenance can lead to malfunctions, noisy operation, or safety hazards. Even if your door seems to be working fine, a yearly inspection can identify issues early before they turn into costly problems.
Professional technicians can spot problems that might go unnoticed during a basic check and can make adjustments or repairs on the spot.
Garage Door Safety Tip #5 – Educate Your Family on Safe Garage Door Use
One of the most overlooked garage door safety tips is simply making sure everyone in your home knows how to use the system properly. Children, teens, and even visiting guests should understand the basics of safe garage door operation.
Make it a point to teach:
- Never walk or run under a moving garage door
- How to use the manual release in case of an emergency or power outage
- That the garage door is not a toy or a place to play
- The signs of a malfunction (unusual sounds, delayed response, uneven movement)
Having open conversations and setting clear rules about garage door use can help prevent accidents and avoid the need for emergency repairs. This type of proactive education is especially helpful in households with young children or multiple users.
Keep Your Family and Pets Safe with Total Door Solutions
Garage doors are a part of daily life for most households, but without proper maintenance and safe use, they can quickly become a source of risk. By following these garage door safety tips, you can protect your family, your pets, and your property.
At Total Door Solutions, we provide garage door maintenance, repairs, and upgrades throughout Oklahoma to help keep your system running safely and smoothly. Whether you need a safety inspection, a sensor adjustment, or a new opener installation, our team is ready to help.
📍 Proudly serving Oklahoma City, Yukon, Moore, Edmond, Mustang, and surrounding areas
📞 Call or text (405) 822-3113
🌐 Visit totaldoorsolutionsok.com
