Is the largest moving object in your home a threat to your children’s safety? According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, a study done in 2007 showed more than 13,000 garage door-related injuries. Orlando garage floors company, Garage Design Works, has some things you can do to prevent your child from being injured by one.
- Purchase a sturdy garage door that is constructed of aluminum, steel, or wood. You don’t want your children playing around garage doors that may easily malfunction. Strong doors can also prevent burglaries.
- Ensure your garage door has a motion sensor. Young children love to race to see if they can beat the garage door closing. A motion detector will stop the door from falling on the children if they have a close call. This will also prevent injury to any pets moving under the door as well as damage to cars parked too close to the garage door.
- Explain the purpose of the garage door to your children so they understand that it protects items in the garage from burglaries and the outside weather conditions. Ensure they realize that they could become injured if they hang on it or continually race or operate it. Emphasize that if it’s in operation, they should steer clear of it. Inform them of the high cost of repairing a garage door that is broken.
- Do not permit your young children to operate the garage remote opener. Explain that they could injure their neck, head, or limbs if the door should close on them. Even if your arms are full of grocery bags, don’t ask your child to use the remote to open the door. This may make them feel they can operate it even when you are not present.
- Check your garage doors monthly for any malfunctions or damage that could cause rust. Make sure you lubricate the hinges, roller, springs, bearings, and plates of your door on a regular basis. Replace the door springs every five to seven years so your door opens and closes easily when you pull the manual release. You may have a problem if the door makes unusual sounds, or closers slower than normal. Hire a professional garage door specialist once a year to do a thorough inspection of your garage doors.
By following these five suggestions, you are sure to keep your children safe when they are playing near your garage doors. They won’t become another garage door injury statistic. For more information about Orlando garage floors, please browse our website, or call us at (407) 447-8890 today.