Garage Door Safety Tips: Preventing Accidents and Injury at Home

Your garage door is one of the largest and most frequently used moving parts in your home — yet it’s often one of the most overlooked when it comes to safety. Whether you open and close it multiple times a day or just on your way to work, a malfunctioning or improperly maintained garage door can pose serious risks to your family, your pets, and your property.


At Smart Overhead Door, your trusted provider for Garage Door in Jonesboro AR services, we believe a secure, reliable garage door starts with knowledge. Here are essential garage door safety tips every homeowner should know to help prevent accidents and injuries.


1. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature Regularly


Modern garage doors are equipped with an auto-reverse mechanism that stops and reverses the door if it detects an object in its path. To test this feature:


  • Place a roll of paper towels or a small object under the door.

  • Close the garage door using the opener.

  • The door should automatically reverse once it contacts the object.


If it doesn’t, your door may need adjustment or repair. This is a critical safety feature, especially for homes with children or pets.


2. Keep Fingers Away from Door Sections


Pinched fingers are one of the most common garage door injuries. Teach children (and remind adults) to never place fingers between door panels. If you have older-style doors without pinch-resistant joints, consider upgrading to a newer, safer model.


3. Don’t Leave the Door Partially Open


Leaving your garage door halfway open can be a major safety hazard. When reactivated, the door may travel downward, crushing anything in its path. It’s also a security risk, inviting unwanted access to your home.


4. Educate Kids on Garage Door Safety


Children often view the garage as just another room — or worse, a playground. Make sure they understand that the garage door and its opener are not toys, and never allow them to hang or ride on the door as it moves.


5. Schedule Regular Maintenance


A garage door may look simple, but it’s a complex system of springs, cables, rollers, and tracks. Annual inspections by a professional technician — like the team at Smart Overhead Door — can:


  • Catch wear and tear early

  • Prevent costly breakdowns

  • Keep your door operating smoothly and safely


If you hear grinding noises, feel shaking, or notice delayed responses, call a professional for a garage door safety inspection.


6. Keep Remotes and Wall Controls Out of Children’s Reach


Mount the wall control button at least five feet above the floor and keep remotes stored securely. This prevents children from accidentally operating the door, especially when someone or something may be underneath it.


7. Avoid DIY Repairs on Springs and Cables


Torsion springs and high-tension cables are extremely dangerous when handled improperly. Attempting a DIY repair could result in serious injury. Always leave these repairs to licensed garage door professionals.


Stay Safe with Smart Overhead Door


At Smart Overhead Door, we don’t just fix and install garage doors — we help you protect what matters most. Whether you need an inspection, emergency repair, or a complete system upgrade, our certified technicians are ready to serve homeowners across Jonesboro,AR. Need a safety inspection? Call us today or visit https://smartoverheaddoor.com/ to schedule service.


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