Your garage door is an amazing tool that over the course of a year goes up and back down again more than 1,500 times. It is also one of the most neglected parts of a home. A neglected garage door can pose significant safety concerns, and who wants to deal with that? When left unchecked, these safety concerns can further lead to the occurrence of a tragedy – an avoidable tragedy.

Reports by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that an estimated 20,000 adults and children visit emergency rooms each year for garage door related accidents. Thankfully, there are many garage door safety tips available, which will help you make no one gets hurt while the door is in operation. Here’s how you can ensure your garage door works properly and safely.

#1. Mount the garage door opener control out of the reach of small children (at least five feet from the floor) and where you have a clear view of the door.

#2. Do not let children play with garage door remote controls; explain to them that these remotes are not toys and as such are not to be played with.

#3. Never leave your children unattended in the garage. They should also never be allowed to play with or around your garage door.

#4. Set a good example for your children and discuss garage door safety with them. Teach them to keep their hands and fingers clear of the door.

#5. Test your garage door opener’s reversing mechanism monthly by placing a 2 x 4 in the door’s path. The door should automatically reverse direction upon contact with the board. If this doesn’t occur, contact APEX Garage Door & Repair at (480) 460-1199.

#6. Know how to use your garage door opener’s emergency release mechanism. Your owner’s manual provides instructions.

#7. 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 a professional garage door repair company.

#8. Never attempt to replace cables or springs on your own. These components are under immense amounts of tension. Improper handling can cause serious injury.

#9. Never leave a garage door remote control in an unattended vehicle overnight. It should be treated like a house key.

#10. To prevent accidents when a garage door is closing, always watch the door until it has completed its full operation, and never try to enter your garage while the door is closing.