Child Safety Features: Protecting Your Family
February 18, 2024 6 min read
<p>Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes, and safety should always be a top priority, especially for families with children. Modern garage doors include numerous safety features, but understanding and maintaining them is essential.</p>
<h2>Mandatory Safety Features</h2> <p>Since 1993, federal law requires all garage door openers to include auto-reverse mechanisms. These safety features include:</p> <p><strong>Photoelectric Eyes:</strong> These sensors create an invisible beam across the door opening. If anything breaks the beam while the door is closing, it automatically reverses. Sensors should be mounted 4-6 inches above the floor.</p> <p><strong>Pressure Sensitivity:</strong> If the door contacts an object while closing, it reverses immediately. This mechanical feature provides backup protection if sensors fail.</p>
<h2>Testing Your Safety Features</h2> <p>Test your safety features monthly:</p> <ul> <li>Place a roll of paper towels in the door's path and close it. The door should reverse upon contact.</li> <li>Wave an object (like a broom handle) through the sensor beam while closing. The door should reverse immediately.</li> <li>Check that sensor lights are lit and aligned.</li> </ul>
<h2>Additional Safety Measures</h2> <p><strong>Keep Remotes Secure:</strong> Store remote controls out of children's reach. Wall-mounted buttons should be at least 5 feet high.</p> <p><strong>Teach Door Safety:</strong> Educate children that garage doors are not toys. Never allow running under a moving door.</p> <p><strong>Emergency Release:</strong> Ensure the emergency release rope is working but inaccessible to small children.</p> <p><strong>Pinch-Resistant Panels:</strong> Modern door designs eliminate gaps between panels where fingers could get caught.</p>
<h2>Upgrading Older Openers</h2> <p>If your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993, it may lack essential safety features. We strongly recommend upgrading to a modern system with full safety compliance.</p>
<p>Contact Garage Door Sixes for a free safety inspection. We'll ensure your garage door meets all safety standards and protects your family.</p>