A garage door is a heavy piece of equipment which can be dangerous when used incorrectly. While modern models have safety features built in, they're not foolproof, so it's still essential to practice garage door safety—especially for children who are less aware of the danger and more vulnerable due to their size. Here are a few ways to keep them safe.

Garage Door Safety for Kids

Talk to Them

The most important step in keeping your kids out of danger is making them aware of the risk. Show the garage door to them and point out how big and heavy it is. Tell them it can injure them, and also that they can break it by using it incorrectly. Show them the dangerous areas where they shouldn't stand, and also warn them about touching the parts of the garage door which might injure them, such as the track at the side which might catch fingers or hair, or the joints between panels which open and close. Make it clear that when the garage door is moving, no place is safe to touch.

Remove Temptation

As much as possible, keep the garage door opener out of the reach of children. Pushing a button and making something happen can be fascinating for kids, so make sure they don't start playing with the remote when your back is turned by keeping it on a high shelf or in another inaccessible area. This also reduces the likelihood that they'll try to climb on or ride a moving garage door when your back is turned.

If you do have an accident and need garage door repairs, call American Garage Door in Kalispell, MT. With a decade of experience installing and repairing Raynor, Northwest Door, and Amarr garage doors in Flathead County, they are the area's expert on both residential models and commercial doors up to 60 feet wide. To discuss your project call (406) 752-2662, or go online to see what they have to offer.