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For parents, childproofing the entire household is a necessity.
Kids can be very lively, and it is sometimes hard to guarantee their security due to this.
As such, children have the most fun in spacious rooms, like the garage.
Moreover, they can find cool things, like tools, to keep them entertained for a long time.
Aside from the tools, children can also play with the garage door opener.
Uncommonly, these can lead to fatal accidents.
If the household has a garage, it is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that it is safe and childproof.
Fortunately, overhead doors can be built to prevent kids from being seriously injured within the area.
However, childproofing the garage boils down to attention to detail and ensuring that all things are organized and secure.
Here is a list of tips and tricks to make sure the garage door stays child safe all the time.
Inspect the Overhead Garage Door Opener Regularly
Always make sure that the garage door will automatically stop to close if it detects a child under the doorway.
This safety can be ensured by inspecting the photo-eye sensor’s functionality.
To test this, place an empty box or a thick piece of wood plank by the garage door’s path and see if the sensors will detect the objects.
If the closing door immediately halts, then the safety sensors are functional.
Aside from the photo-eye sensors, the auto-reverse should be tested by placing a hand against the closing door.
If the door automatically reverses after the motor senses your hand’s resistance, then it is also functional.
If there are no issues with both tests, then the safety sensors are working as they should.
However, if it continues to close despite the resistance or the blockage of the wood plank, there are issues with the safety mechanisms and that it is not safe for children to be around.
If this is the case, it is advised to immediately replace the garage door sensor and opener assembly.
Doors that do not have these features might be older models and should be replaced with newer models as it has been required by federal law since 1993 for manufacturers to equip door systems with safety sensors.
Aside from the safety sensors’ functionality, homeowners should ensure that the wall-mounted control button is out of reach of children by placing it higher on the wall.
Furthermore, closed garage doors should be locked to avoid worst-case scenarios when children manage to find the door’s controls.
If issues are discovered, it would be best to call for a garage door repair company to get in touch with an expert technician to perform inspections, repairs, and replacements.
Ensure That the Garage Door Is Fully Closed
It is really satisfying to know that the garage door closer mechanism is fully automated.
However, you can never be too careful when it comes to handling the advanced technology.
When leaving home, always ensure that the garage door is fully closed prior to driving away from the property.
Sometimes, tiny objects can disrupt the closing mechanism, which will prevent it from fully closing.
This might make small children vulnerable to the dangers of the garage door opening and closing.
Steer clear of stored objects, tools, or other things from near the garage door’s pathway as this might interrupt the photoelectric sensor’s functionality and prevent the garage door from closing fully.
Preventative Maintenance on the Garage Door Is Key
At least once a month, perform a visual inspection on the garage door mechanism, especially the moving parts.
Watch out for loose metal hardware, such as hinges, nuts, bolts, and other things that hold the garage door together.
If a loose moving part is found, consider tightening it in place to prevent future incidents.
It is also important to observe the door open and close by taking note of the travel speed, sound, and balance of the door.
Ways to Secure Access to the Garage
Install a security lock on the inside door of the garage.
By adding an extra security measure to the garage, the owner can always control whether or not children or other possible intruders can enter the garage.
Moreover, it is important to keep the garage locked all the time when away.
Be the Child
Try to see the garage as a child would.
Take note of things that children could find interesting, like power tools and other mechanical machinery, and keep them away from the children’s reach.
By doing this, you are removing the reasons for children to stay around the garage, which is the safest way to keep them from harm.
Contact a Professional Repair Service Technician
If homeowners notice various issues, a garage door repair is due, and it should be handled quickly.
For persisting issues with overhead doors, a garage door repair in Calgary is possible with the numerous repair services available in the area.
As such, it is highly advised to call for professionals as soon as possible.
