11June 2023
Garage door safety is of paramount importance, particularly for seniors who may face specific vulnerabilities. Understanding the potential risks and implementing safety measures is essential to preventing accidents and maintaining a secure environment.
Importance of Garage Door Safety for Seniors
Garage doors can pose significant risks if not used safely. Research indicates that seniors are more susceptible to accidents involving garage doors due to physical limitations, decreased reaction times, and potential cognitive impairments.
According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, over 30,000 people aged 65 and older are treated in emergency rooms annually due to garage door-related injuries. Common causes of accidents include improper use of garage door openers, insufficient maintenance leading to malfunctioning, and lack of awareness of safety protocols.
To effectively safeguard themselves, seniors must be aware of potential hazards and proactively adopt safety measures.
Safety Tip 1: Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the optimum performance and safety of the garage door. Seniors should inspect the door and its components routinely for signs of wear and tear, loose hardware, or misalignment. Oil the moving parts, such as hinges and rollers, and ensure the door remains balanced. If any issues are discovered, promptly seek professional assistance.
Safety Tip 2: Update Automatic Garage Door Openers
Upgrading to a newer automatic garage door opener equipped with safety features is highly recommended. Look for a model with a sensor that detects obstacles in its path and automatically reverses the door’s movement to prevent accidents. Additionally, using a rolling code opener, which changes the security code after every use, reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
Safety Tip 3: Keep Remote Controls Secure
Seniors should ensure their garage door remote control is always within their possession or stored securely. Avoid leaving it visible in the car, as it could be stolen and provide easy access to the garage and home.
Safety Tip 4: Learn Emergency Protocol
Seniors should familiarize themselves with the emergency release feature available on garage doors. In case of power outages or malfunctions, this feature allows the door to be manually opened. Practice releasing and re-engaging the emergency release mechanism regularly.
Safety Tip 5: Be Cautious While Operating
Exercise caution and awareness when opening or closing the garage door. Stand clear of the door’s path and never attempt to enter or exit the garage while the door is in motion. Additionally, postpone any attempts to manually override the door or make repairs without proper knowledge or assistance.
If you have any concerns about your garage door, please give us a call at 225-281-6346.
