All first-time parents tend to go overboard when it comes to childproofing their homes. They cover all electrical outlets, cushion many areas, and lock kitchen and medicine cabinets to prevent any harm from befalling them. Surprisingly, many parents don’t maintain this attitude beyond the first two years. Even the ones that keep it up through the years usually forget to childproof their garage, probably because they can hardly imagine any situation in which a child will be playing in the garage. But this is the wrong mindset to have because kids can play just about anywhere. To protect your kids and home, we’ve compiled a list of garage door features that make it safe for your children. Remember, a lack of childproofing in the garage can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, so it’s crucial to maintain a safe environment.
Common Safety Hazards In The Garage
- Pinch points from hinges and rollers that can catch the hands and legs of kids.
- Vehicles entering the garage.
- Unsecured tools can injure kids or damage garage doors.
- Trip hazards like unsecured tools, wires, and unattended boxes.
- Racks might get jammed due to insufficient lubrication.
- Unbalanced doors can suddenly slam shut, injuring anyone unfortunate enough to be beneath them.
- If care isn’t taken, swinging garage doors can slam into a child behind them.
How to Make Your Garage Door Childproof
1. Secure All Tools
Parents with toddlers at home should be extra cautious when it comes to securing every tool and sharp object, even in the garage. Tools left around or clutter can pose a serious threat to a child playing in the area, and these items can also damage the garage door, causing it to malfunction. By securing all tools, you can ensure a safe environment for your children.
2. Keep the Garage Door Remote out of the Hands of Kids
Children are curious by nature. They see a button and they are likely going to press it. That’s why you should keep the garage door remote out of reach. If it’s a wall-mounted one, secure it with locks to prevent them from accessing it. If it’s a stable remote, keep it in high places or on you so that they can’t access it.
3. Get a Quality Garage Door
When it comes to your children, you can’t put a price on it. Many homeowners opt for low-quality garage doors to save money, but these are often made with subpar and poorly designed parts that can jam at any time. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of your kids. Investing in a high-quality garage door can prevent potential tragedies.
4. Regularly Maintain the Door
As a responsible parent, it’s crucial to understand that garage doors are made up of many moving parts that require constant maintenance. Regular upkeep of hinges, steel rollers, and tracks is essential to prevent them from rusting or jamming. These hinges should also be checked to ensure they are well bolted to prevent accidents. All electrical connections should be checked and grounded for added safety.
5. Get a Door with an Auto-Reverse Function
Modern garage doors are equipped with an auto-reverse function that detects the presence of an object or person directly beneath the panels. From there, it will now stop and then reverse the panel to prevent it from slamming into what’s in its way.
6. Clean and Ensure that Sensors are Well Aligned.
Sensors are crucial for ensuring the safety of your garage doors. Their lenses should be cleaned regularly and well aligned to avoid faulty data.
Looking For Garage Door Installation and Repairs This Back-to-School Season? Contact Merrimack Valley Glass & Mirror Today!
Merrimack Valley Glass & Mirror is an expert team that provides top-of-the-line garage door installation and repair services to those in the Merrimack Valley & beyond. With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we are the go-to choice for all your garage door needs. If your garage door needs to be replaced or repaired, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly at 978-463-9990 or by filling out our online contact form.