Making Your Garage Doors as Child- and Pet-Safe as Possible

An important aspect of the garage door service Orange County residents have available to them is safety. When it comes to ensuring that your garage doors are as safe as possible for children and pets, seasonal inspections and maintenance are paramount. Between those visits, there are steps that you can take to ensure it as well.

Photo Eyes: The First Line of Defense

In 1993, the U.S. mandated that all garage door openers have an automatic reversal system. The technology used today is more sophisticated but fundamentally the same as back then. Photo eyes detect obstructions and trigger a reversal system when they do. Chances are that your opener is newer than 1993, but if not, then you should make replacement a priority.

Mechanical Detection: The Second Line of Defense

You should test the photoelectric system on occasion and call a professional if it fails or there is any odd behavior. You should also detect the mechanical safety mechanism, which is built into the motor itself. If it detects any resistance, then it triggers the reversal system. The easy way to test this is with a 2×4 lying on the floor under the garage door. The 2×4 will be low enough to circumvent the photo eyes but should still set off the mechanical detection. If it does not, call your garage door repairperson.

Automated Lighting: Motion Triggers

Your garage area should be well lit, and that includes all access points. Lighting that triggers on motion is great as a deterrent for would-be thieves. However, for safety purposes, your lighting should at least automatically turn on when the doors open and perhaps turn off when they close.

Alternative Access: Add Convenience and Safety

Advise kids to use the side door for regular access. Make that as convenient as possible by establishing a clear path. For a pet-safe door, consider adding a pet door, which is something that your local garage door technician can do relatively quickly and inexpensively.