Child Safety Features: Protecting Your Family
2023-12-28 8 min read
Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes, and they can pose serious risks to children if not properly equipped with safety features. Fortunately, modern garage door systems include multiple safety mechanisms designed to protect your family. Here's what every parent should know about garage door safety.
Understanding the Risks
A standard garage door can weigh between 150 and 400 pounds or more. When in motion, this weight creates significant force that can cause serious injury. Children are particularly vulnerable because they may not understand the dangers of a moving garage door and their smaller size makes them harder for sensors to detect.
Common garage door accidents involving children include entrapment under a closing door, fingers caught in door sections, and injuries from playing with or on the door. Most of these accidents are preventable with proper safety features and education.
Mandatory Safety Features
Since 1993, federal law has required all garage door openers sold in the United States to include two specific safety features: auto-reverse mechanism and photoelectric sensors.
The auto-reverse mechanism causes the door to immediately reverse direction if it contacts an object while closing. This feature can be tested by placing a 2x4 board flat on the floor under the door.when the door contacts the board, it should reverse immediately.
Photoelectric sensors (also called safety eyes) are mounted near the floor on either side of the door opening. They create an invisible beam that, when broken, prevents the door from closing or causes it to reverse if already in motion. These sensors are critical for detecting children or pets that might be in the door's path.
Additional Safety Features to Consider
Beyond the mandatory requirements, many modern garage door systems include additional safety features. The battery backup ensures the door can be opened even during power outages, preventing entrapment. The timer-to-close feature automatically closes the door after a set period, reducing the risk of leaving it open accidentally.
Motion-detecting lights illuminate the garage area when motion is detected, helping you see potential hazards. Smartphone connectivity allows you to monitor door status and receive alerts if the door is left open. Pinch-resistant panels use a design that prevents fingers from being caught between door sections.
Testing Your Safety Features Monthly
We recommend testing your garage door's safety features at least once a month. For the auto-reverse test, place a 2x4 flat on the floor in the center of the door opening. Close the door using the wall button.it should reverse immediately upon contacting the board.
For the photoelectric sensor test, close the door using the wall button. While the door is in motion, wave an object (like a broom handle) through the sensor beam. The door should immediately stop and reverse.
If either test fails, stop using the garage door and call a professional immediately. Operating a garage door without functioning safety features puts your family at risk.
Teaching Children About Garage Door Safety
Safety features are essential, but education is equally important. Teach children that the garage door is not a toy and should never be played with. Show them how to wait until the door is fully open or closed before walking through. Explain that they should never run under a moving door and make sure they know to tell an adult if anything seems wrong with the door.
Consider keeping the wall-mounted door control out of reach of small children, and if you use a remote control, keep it in a secure location.
When to Upgrade Your System
If your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993, it likely lacks modern safety features and should be replaced immediately. Even if your opener is newer, consider upgrading if the safety sensors frequently malfunction, the auto-reverse feature is unreliable, or you want additional safety features like smartphone monitoring.
Our Safety Commitment
At Garage Door Vanceboro, your family's safety is our top priority. We install only safety-compliant equipment and thoroughly test all safety features during every installation and service call. If you have concerns about your garage door's safety features, call us at (252) 358-3296 for a free safety inspection.