As a trusted name in garage doors, Joe Wilde Company understands that your home’s safety is always a top priority—especially when children are involved. The garage may seem like just another part of your home, but it can pose real hazards to little ones if not properly secured. Thankfully, today’s garage door systems come equipped with smart safety features, and there are several steps you can take to help ensure your garage is a safe space for the whole family. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through practical ways to childproof your garage door and prevent accidents.
Why Garage Door Safety Matters
Your garage door is one of the heaviest moving parts of your home. If it malfunctions or is misused, it can result in serious injury. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of injuries occur each year due to garage door accidents—many of them involving children. These accidents are preventable with the right combination of safety features, regular maintenance, and supervision.
Install Modern Safety Features
Modern garage doors are designed with advanced safety features to help protect your family. If your door is more than 10–15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade to take advantage of these built-in protective technologies.
Auto-Reverse Mechanism
This feature causes the door to reverse automatically if it encounters an obstruction while closing. It’s a critical safeguard that can prevent serious injury if a child or object is in the way.
• How to Test: Place a small object like a roll of paper towels on the ground under the door. When the door closes and touches the object, it should reverse immediately. If it doesn’t, contact our service team to inspect and repair the system.
Photo-Eye Sensors
These small sensors are installed a few inches above the floor on each side of the garage door. If anything breaks the beam between them, the door will stop closing and reverse direction.
• Check Alignment: Make sure the sensors are properly aligned and free of dirt or debris. Misalignment or blockage can prevent the system from working correctly.
Rolling Code Technology
Modern garage door openers with rolling code technology generate a new access code each time the remote is used. This feature prevents code grabbing, adding a layer of security against unauthorized access.
• Added Safety: With this technology, you won’t have to worry about old remotes falling into the wrong hands and compromising your family’s safety.
Childproofing Tips for Your Garage Door
In addition to built-in safety technology, here are several hands-on steps you can take to childproof your garage door and keep curious hands out of harm’s way.
1. Keep Remotes Out of Reach
Garage door remotes and wall buttons are not toys. Be sure to mount any wall controls at least five feet above the floor so young children cannot access them. Keep handheld remotes stored in secure locations like high shelves or locked drawers.
2. Educate Your Children
Take time to teach your children that the garage door is not a plaything. Show them how it works and explain why they should never run under a moving door or touch any of the components.
• Establish Boundaries: Make the garage door off-limits for games or climbing to prevent injury from curious exploration.
3. Secure the Emergency Release Cord
Every garage door has an emergency release cord that allows the door to be operated manually in the event of a power outage. While this is an essential safety feature for adults, it can be tempting for a child to pull on.
• What to Do: Make sure the cord is not hanging too low, and consider securing it with a clip when not in use to keep it out of reach.
4. Keep the Area Around the Door Clear
Avoid storing toys, bikes, or other belongings near the garage door or its tracks. These items can become obstacles that interfere with door operation or attract children to play too close to the moving parts.
5. Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks
Even the best safety features won’t be effective if the garage door is not properly maintained. A routine inspection can catch worn cables, faulty sensors, or alignment issues before they become dangerous.
• Our Recommendation: At Joe Wilde Company, we recommend a professional maintenance check at least once a year to ensure everything is functioning properly and safely.
Consider Upgrading to a Smart Garage Door Opener
Smart openers take safety and convenience to the next level. With features like remote monitoring, smartphone alerts, and scheduling options, you can stay in control of your garage door—even when you’re not home.
Smart Safety Benefits Include:
• Alerts if the door is left open
• Notifications of any activity
• Ability to open or close the door remotely in emergencies
If you’re looking to upgrade your system, our team can help you find a smart opener that fits your home and lifestyle.
Trust Joe Wilde Company for Safe and Reliable Garage Door Solutions
At Joe Wilde Company, we’ve been helping families like yours protect what matters most for decades. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a safer system, need maintenance on your current setup, or want professional advice on childproofing your garage, we’re here to help.
Childproofing your garage door is an important step toward creating a safe home environment. From installing modern safety features to educating your kids and keeping the area tidy, a few simple precautions can prevent accidents and give you peace of mind. If your garage door needs an inspection, upgrade, or safety assessment, contact Joe Wilde Company today. We’re proud to help families stay safe, secure, and worry-free.