Close the Door on Garage Door Mishaps
Posted March 09, 2019
A typical garage door weighs 300 to 400 pounds and is generally the heaviest moving object in the home. So, now imagine this tremendous weight bearing down on you! Garage door injuries can be severe and potentially fatal. Consider these safety tips to protect you and your family from garage door injuries:
Advice for Kids
Give your kids the following advice to keep them safe:
- Do not stand, walk or run under a closing garage door.
- Never play under or near the garage door, even when it’s open.
- If there is a problem with the garage door, children should alert you or another responsible adult about the problem and ask for assistance.
Preventative Measures to Curb Injuries
- Install push buttons on garage doors at least five feet above the floor and out of the reach of small children. This will deter them from trying to push the button to open and close the door.
- Replace garage door openers that were not manufactured after January 1, 1993. After that time, federal law required manufacturers to install an automatic feature that reverses the door if it comes in contact with objects while closing. Test this feature regularly if your opener does have this feature by placing a piece of wood on the ground and then closing the door. If the door does not reverse, hire a professional to either replace or repair the door.
- Inspect garage door pulleys, cables, rollers and springs on a regular basis and look for worn or damaged parts. Contact a professional to make any repairs, as the hardware on a garage door is under extreme tension and could cause major injuries if it is handled or repaired incorrectly.
Safety First
Teach little ones that garage doors are not toys. They should know to remain extremely cautious when you or another adult is opening and closing them. Once your children are old enough, teach them how to use the emergency release in case someone was to get pinned by the door.
We may specialize in insurance, but promoting safety is a top priority, too. Call us today to learn more about all of our claims reduction strategies and insurance solutions for your auto, home and life.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice.