Essential Tips for Childproofing Your Garage Door

The garage door is one of the largest moving parts in your home, and that makes it a potential safety hazard—especially for young children. Without proper precautions, accidents can happen quickly and result in serious injuries. Fortunately, with a few smart safety measures, you can create a much safer garage environment for your family. Here are some essential tips to help you childproof your garage door:

1. Install Auto-Reverse Safety Sensors
Modern garage doors are equipped with auto-reverse sensors that detect objects in the path of the closing door and automatically reverse its motion. If your garage door doesn’t have this feature, consider upgrading to a model that does. Test the sensors regularly by placing a small object under the door to make sure they’re working correctly.

2. Keep Remote Controls Out of Reach
Garage door remotes should be kept where kids can’t access them—like high shelves or locked drawers. Wall-mounted openers should be installed high enough to be out of a child’s reach to avoid accidental activation.

3. Teach Children Garage Door Safety
Kids should be taught from a young age that garage doors are not toys. Explain the dangers of playing under or near the door, and make it clear that only adults should operate it.

4. Do Regular Safety Inspections
Inspect your garage door system regularly for signs of wear and tear—like frayed cables, worn springs, or malfunctioning sensors. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for repairs right away to prevent accidents.

5. Enable the Manual Locking Feature
Many garage doors have a manual lock that can prevent them from being opened when not in use. Lock the door when it’s not in operation to keep children from trying to use it on their own.

6. Secure the Emergency Release Handle
The emergency release is an important safety feature, but it can be tempting for kids to pull. Make sure it’s secure and out of easy reach. For older children, teach them when and how to use it properly—in true emergencies only.

7. Cover Exposed Springs and Cables
Springs and cables are under high tension and can be dangerous if tampered with. Install protective covers to keep them out of reach and reduce the risk of accidental injury.

8. Keep the Garage Clean and Organized
A cluttered garage is a hazard in itself. Store sharp tools, cleaning chemicals, and other dangerous items on high shelves or in locked cabinets. Keeping things organized also reduces tripping hazards.

9. Use a Rolling Code Opener
A rolling code system changes the access code each time the remote is used, adding an extra layer of security. This helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures your children can’t accidentally open the garage door using an outdated or duplicated code.

10. Always Supervise Garage Door Use
Never leave young children unattended near the garage door. If possible, designate a separate play area away from the garage to minimize the chances of an accident.

Final Thoughts
Childproofing your garage door is an important part of creating a safer home for your family. By following these simple yet effective tips—like installing safety sensors, keeping remotes out of reach, and educating your kids—you can reduce the risk of garage-related accidents. Regular maintenance and supervision are key.

If you’re in the Chevy Chase area and need professional help with your garage door, don’t hesitate to contact BWI Garage Doors at +1 888 388 1847. We’re here to help keep your family safe.