Garage doors are safer than they used to be, but parents should still be vigilant when their kids are in the garage.
As parents, you want to protect your children. You know about about hazards like swimming pools, but did you know that garage doors, too, can pose significant dangers to your children?
There’s no question that safety features on garage doors like automatic “electronic eye” sensors have made garage doors safer. However, malfunction or a moment’s inattention can still lead to injury.
What’s the most common garage door injury for children?
There are two situations that children are most susceptible to experience: injured fingers and getting trapped under the garage door as it closes. The most common is getting fingers caught in the garage door as it moves, and this can result in a pretty serious injury.
How can you prevent these garage door injuries to children?
Fortunately, keeping children from harm is as simple as keeping an eye on them, and educating them on the dangers of a garage door. Also, make sure that your garage door is functioning properly, and doesn’t require any maintenance or repair.
Teach children to stay away from the garage door at all times
Remember, the simple push of a button can make your garage door a moving hazard. Therefore, teach your children to stay away from the garage door at all times – not just when it’s moving. Consider it a hazard not unlike a hot stove or your swimming pool. Only allow children near it with adult supervision, and let children know that any of the garage door parts are not to be played with or around.
Never duck under the garage door when it’s closing
Even with “electric eye” sensors, garage doors can malfunction and close on someone – especially children who are smaller than adults and may not be “seen” as easily by the sensors. No one, including adults, should duck under the garage door when it’s closing.
Model good behaviour
Don’t just expect your children to obey you. Model good behavior by keeping your own fingers, etc., away from the garage door when it’s operational, and don’t duck under a closing door yourself.
Be vigilant
Keep an eye on your children at all times when they’re by the garage door. Children want to obey, but something mechanically interesting may very well cause them to forget and disobey, which can result in injury.
Keep your garage door in good repair
Install a new garage door opener equipped with electric eyes if you don’t have them and keep your garage door properly maintained. Don’t do repairs yourself unless you’re an expert; your children’s safety depends on a properly functioning door.
If you follow basic safety rules, replace old doors if needed, and perform regular maintenance to ensure proper function at all times, your children should be safe to play around your garage, and enter and exit without issue.
Do You Need a New Garage Door?
If you’re looking for a new, safer garage door, we can help. Garaga is one of the most trusted names in the industry, and can help you find the door that best suits your needs, and answer any questions.
Take a look at our residential garage door models, and get a free quote. The first step towards a safer garage is a safe door.
Add new comment