Your garage door is a powerful machine that can cause serious injury if not used safely. In busy Houston households, teaching kids and adults alike how to interact with the door is just as important as regular maintenance. Use these safety tips to keep everyone safe around this heavy piece of equipment.
- Check the safety eyes
All modern garage doors come with sensors mounted a few inches from the ground. These safety eyes send a signal to the opener to reverse if the beam is broken by a person, pet or object as the door is closing. Make sure the sensors are mounted 3–6 inches off the floor and free of dirt or debris so the communication isn’t interrupted. - Mount the wall control panel high
Your wall-mounted control panel should be placed at least 5 feet from the ground to keep it out of children’s reach. Little hands love pressing buttons, but opening and closing the door for fun can lead to accidents. Explain that only adults may use the wall control. - Know and re-engage the emergency release
The emergency release cord detaches the door from the opener so you can manually lift it during a power outage or maintenance. After using it, be sure to reconnect the trolley so the opener controls the door again. A disconnected door can fall unexpectedly and injure someone. - Keep fingers and hands away from hinges
Pinched fingers are one of the most common garage door injuries. Show your children never to place their fingers between the door sections or hinges. Remind them that the door is not a toy and should never be climbed on or ridden while it’s moving. - Choose a secure keypad code and keep remotes out of reach
Select a keypad code that isn’t obvious and change it if you suspect someone else knows it. Store remotes and keypads where children can’t access them. For added security, consider a smart opener you can control from your phone. - Test the safety reversal regularly
The safety reversal feature stops and reverses the door if it touches something while closing. Test it every month by placing a sturdy object, like a 2×4, in the door’s path. The door should reverse immediately upon contact. If it doesn’t, call a professional for service. - Ensure the door is balanced
An unbalanced door strains the opener and can cause springs to break. To check the balance, disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. It should stay in place and feel like it weighs no more than 5–10 lbs. If it falls or shoots up, a technician should adjust the springs. - Don’t leave the door partially open
Leaving the door half open invites pests and creates a dangerous situation if children try to run under it. When you need airflow, open the door fully or keep it closed. - Never run a vehicle in the garage
Starting your car in a closed or even open garage can allow deadly carbon monoxide to accumulate. Always pull the car outside before warming it up or letting it idle. - Teach kids safe habits and supervise
Talk to your children about the risks associated with garage doors, using age-appropriate language. Demonstrate how to operate the door safely and set clear rules: younger kids shouldn’t press buttons or play near the door, and older kids should only use it under adult supervision. Always supervise young children in the garage and reinforce good habits. - Check and clean the sensors
Safety sensors prevent the door from closing on a person or object. Periodically wipe the lenses with a soft cloth and ensure they’re aligned. Test them by placing a box in the door’s path to make sure it reverses. - Call the professionals when in doubt
If you notice anything unusual or aren’t comfortable performing these tests, schedule a professional inspection. Our experienced technicians at Loyalty Garage Door & Gates can adjust springs, realign sensors and ensure all safety features are working properly.
Stay Safe with Loyalty Garage Door & Gates
Safety should always come first. By following these guidelines, you’ll protect your family and keep your door operating smoothly. When you need help, our local, family‑owned team offers 24/7 emergency service, same‑day repairs, free estimates and a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today to book a safety inspection or tune‑up and keep your Houston garage door running safely.