How do you keep your garage door safe? Test safety sensors monthly, never let children play near moving doors, keep remotes away from kids, inspect springs and cables visually (never touch), and ensure the door reverses when hitting an obstruction. For security, lock the interior door to your home, use a garage door defender when away, and consider a smart opener with real-time alerts.
30,000+
Garage door injuries/year in North America
9%
Of home burglaries enter through garage
400 lbs
Average garage door weight
1
Test the Auto-Reverse Feature Monthly
Place a 2x4 piece of wood or a cardboard box flat on the ground in the door's path. Close the door - it should reverse immediately upon contact. If it doesn't, the force settings need adjustment or sensors need repair.
Action: Set a monthly reminder to test. This takes 30 seconds and could save a life.
2
Never Walk Under a Moving Door
A garage door weighs 150-400+ lbs. If a spring breaks or cable snaps while the door is moving, it can fall instantly. Wait until the door stops completely before walking under it.
Action: Teach all family members to wait. No exceptions - even when rushing.
3
Keep Fingers Away From Panel Sections
The gaps between door panels are pinch points. When the door moves, these gaps close with significant force. Fingers caught between panels cause thousands of injuries annually, especially in children.
Action: Only use handles or lift brackets to manually move the door. Never grip panel edges.
4
Never Attempt Spring Repairs Yourself
Torsion springs store enough energy to cause severe injury or death. Even extension springs can whip violently when released. Leave all spring work to trained professionals with proper tools.
Action: Call a professional immediately if you hear a loud bang (broken spring).
⚠️ Never Touch These Parts
!
Torsion Springs: Located above the door. Under extreme tension. Can unwind explosively if mishandled.
!
Bottom Brackets: Where cables attach at bottom corners. Under full spring tension at all times.
!
Lift Cables: Connected to the spring system. Can snap under tension causing serious injury.
!
Cable Drums: At ends of spring shaft. Releasing can cause springs to unwind violently.
5
Keep Remotes Out of Reach
Garage door openers are not toys. Children may see the door as a game and repeatedly open/close it, increasing injury risk. Wall-mounted buttons should be at least 5 feet high.
Action: Store remotes high, not in vehicle cup holders where kids can reach them.
6
Supervise Children Around Garage Doors
Never allow children to play in or around the garage door area. Running under closing doors is extremely dangerous. The door cannot stop instantly.
Action: Establish a "no play zone" in the garage door path. Explain why, not just the rule.
7
Explain Emergency Release Cord
The red cord with T-handle disconnects the door from the opener. Show older children how it works in case of emergency - but emphasize it's not a toy.
Action: Do a family emergency drill: What to do if someone is trapped.
🔍 Monthly Sensor Test (30 Seconds)
1
Open the garage door fully using the opener
2
Place a cardboard box or 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path
3
Press the close button and watch the door
4
PASS: Door reverses within 2 seconds of contact (or before touching if sensors work)
5
FAIL: Door doesn't reverse - call for service immediately
Your garage is often the weakest entry point to your home. A startling 9% of home burglaries happen through the garage. Here's how to protect your home:
🚪
Secure Interior Door
Install a solid-core door with a deadbolt between garage and house. This is your second line of defense.
📱
Smart Opener with Alerts
Get notifications when your garage opens/closes. Know if you left it open and close remotely.
🔐
Use Vacation Lock Mode
Most openers have a vacation switch that disables all remotes. Use it when away for extended periods.
💡
Motion-Sensor Lights
Install bright lights that activate on motion. Burglars avoid well-lit areas.
8
Secure the Emergency Release
Burglars can use a coat hanger through the top of the door to pull the emergency release cord. Use a zip tie to prevent unauthorized release or install a release shield.
Action: Install an emergency release shield kit ($15-25) or zip-tie the mechanism.
9
Cover or Frost Windows
Garage windows let burglars see what's inside - and whether you're home. Covering them removes this intelligence advantage.
Action: Apply frosted film ($10-20) or install curtains. Don't advertise your possessions.
10
Don't Leave Opener in Vehicle
If your car is broken into or stolen, the thief now has access to your garage. Use a keychain remote or smartphone app instead.
Action: Remove clip-on remotes from vehicles parked outside overnight.
✅ Monthly Safety Inspection Checklist
✓
Test auto-reverse with object in path
✓
Check sensor alignment (lights solid green)
✓
Visual inspection of springs for rust/gaps
✓
Check cables for fraying (look, don't touch)
✓
Listen for unusual sounds during operation
✓
Test manual release (disconnect opener first)
✓
Check bottom seal for cracks/gaps
✓
Ensure wall button is out of children's reach
Safe Lubrication (DIY OK)
Lubricating your garage door is safe and recommended twice yearly. Use white lithium grease or silicone spray on:
- Hinges (where metal meets metal)
- Rollers (ball bearings, not nylon surface)
- Torsion spring (coat entire surface - don't adjust anything)
- Track (only the curved section, not vertical portions)
Never use WD-40 on garage doors - it's a solvent, not a lubricant, and attracts dirt.
Need a Professional Safety Inspection?
Our Toronto technicians check all safety components during every service visit. Book for peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test if my garage door safety sensors are working?
+
Test garage door sensors monthly: 1) Open the door fully, 2) Place an object like a box in the door's path, 3) Press the close button, 4) The door should reverse within 2 seconds of touching the object or reverse before touching if sensors detect it. If it doesn't reverse, the sensors need adjustment or replacement.
What causes most garage door injuries?
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Most garage door injuries are caused by: fingers caught between door sections (especially children), doors falling due to broken springs or cables, failed safety sensors not reversing the door, attempting DIY repairs on springs (high tension danger), and children playing with or under moving doors.
How can I make my garage door more secure against break-ins?
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Secure your garage door by: installing a deadbolt on the interior door to your home, using a garage door defender/lock, enabling vacation mode on your opener, covering windows to hide contents, using a smart opener with alerts, securing the emergency release cord, and installing motion-sensor lights.
Are garage door safety sensors required by law in Canada?
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Yes, garage door safety sensors (photo eyes) have been required on all new automatic garage door openers in Canada and the USA since 1993. This is mandated by UL 325 safety standards. If your opener lacks sensors, it predates these regulations and should be upgraded for safety.
What should I do if my garage door won't stop when closing?
+
If your garage door won't stop when closing: 1) Immediately disconnect the opener using the emergency release, 2) Check sensor alignment - lights should be solid green, 3) Clean sensor lenses with soft cloth, 4) Check for obstructions in the door path, 5) Call a professional if problem persists - this is a serious safety issue.
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