Keep remotes out of children's reach, mount the wall button at least 5 feet off the floor, never let anyone play "beat the door" and test the auto-reverse every month with a 2x4 on the floor. Keep hands clear of hinges and tracks, and stop using a door that is heavy or crooked.
A garage door is the largest moving object in most homes. DASMA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Safety Council say an improperly adjusted door or opener can exert deadly force when the door closes. Most of the habits that protect children cost nothing.
The wall button should be where you can clearly see the moving door. If it is in a spot you cannot see from, ask a technician to move it.
Step-by-step help is in our post on garage door safety tests.
DASMA's safety sheet asks parents to discuss garage door safety with their children, explain the danger of being trapped under the door and teach them never to play under or near an open door. It also asks them to keep their hands and fingers clear of section joints, hinges, track and springs, because a pinch can happen even on a door without an opener.
Racing the closing door can cause serious injury or death. Adults should set the example, and everyone in the house should know how the emergency release works in case someone is pinned.
Pets and toddlers cannot read a warning label, so the plan is to keep them out of the door's path rather than to count on a sensor. Close the door only when you can see it clear. If your garage has a pet door or a dog that follows you to the car, keep it away from the track side of the opening while the door moves. If the door ever reverses by itself or closes on something, stop using it and call. See why an opener keeps reversing.
| Task | You | A technician |
|---|---|---|
| Remotes and wall button | Store remotes high and mount the button out of reach | Moves or replaces the wall control |
| Reverse and photo-eye tests | Test monthly and keep lenses clean | Adjusts the limits and force and replaces failed sensors |
| Balance | Lift test with the door closed | Replaces or adjusts springs and cables |
| Hinges, track and rollers | Look and listen | Repairs, aligns and lubricates |
Springs, cables and brackets are under tension and are technician work.
Emil Garage Doors inspects and repairs doors and openers across Southern California, and our city pages cover California, including West Sacramento, Garden Grove and Calexico. Call (213) 340-4232 or send the estimate form if a test fails or the door feels wrong. See garage door repair.
DASMA's safety sheet says the push-button wall control should be out of reach of children, at least 5 feet from the floor, and away from moving parts. CPSC says to install it as high as practical.
Keep it out of children's reach. CPSC has suggested locking the remote in the car's glove compartment.
Every month and after any adjustment or repair, using a 2x4 laid flat on the floor in the door's path.
Yes. DASMA notes that contact with a moving door or its hardware can cause injury even on doors without automatic openers.
We repair and install in these cities. Each page has local notes, prices and reviews.
Call (213) 340-4232 or send your details for the soonest visit.