Tips on Safety

It is Garage Door Safety Month!

This is the time the International Door Association (IDA) and the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers’ Association (DASMA) have designated to educate homeowners on the importance of safety in and around the garage. We are proud to be part of these two associations!

June has arrived!

As you gather outdoors for summer picnics, parties, or just spending an evening in the driveway chatting with a neighbor, we want you to keep in mind that your garage door is the largest moving object in your home. It can be very dangerous if not properly used.

Garage Safety Tips

1. Mount the garage door opener control button out of the reach of small children, at least five feet from the floor, where you have a clear view of the door.
2. Do not allow children to play with garage door remote controls. Explain that the remote controls are not toys.
3. Set a good example for children. Discuss garage door safety with them. Explain how to operate the door safely.
4. Test your garage door opener’s reversing mechanism monthly by placing a 2×4 board in the door’s path. If the door does not reverse after contacting the object, call Overhead Door Company of Waterbury™ (860) 274-3332 for professional repairs.
5. Know how to use your garage door opener’s emergency release feature. Your owner’s manual provides instructions.
6. Visually inspect your garage door each month. Look at the garage door’s springs, cables, rollers, and pulleys for signs of wear. If any of these components appear damaged, contact Overhead Door Company of Waterbury™ for inspection or repair.
7. Do not attempt to repair cables or springs. These parts are under high tension. They require special tools for adjustment. Improper handling or disconnection can cause breakage and serious injury.
8. To avoid damage to your door and opener, make sure you disable or remove any door locks, ropes, or cables prior to operating your opener.
9. Use the release mechanism on the garage door opener to manually open the door using its interior or exterior lift handles. The door should lift smoothly with little resistance. It should stay open around 3-4 feet above the floor. If it is difficult to perform this task, your door may be out of balance, causing premature wear. Call Overhead Door Company of Waterbury™ (860) 274-3332 for adjustment.
10. To prevent accidents when a garage door closes, invest in a garage door opener that features photoelectric eye safety beams mounted a few inches off the floor.
11. Send an invisible beam across the door’s path. If the invisible beam breaks, the garage door automatically reverses to its fully open position. The invisible beam provides added safety to the auto reverse mechanism. The door does not have to contact an object in order to reverse. The Safe-T-Beam is a standard feature on the entire line of Overhead Door™ garage door openers.

For More Information on Garage Door Safety & Security

Visit our showroom at 56 New Wood Road, Watertown, CT, Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm and Saturday from 8 am – noon.