Garages have many purposes, that of storage, projects with the kids, but there is dangers and steps you can take to make your garage door safe. The (IDA) International Door Association, and the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) has put a list of garage door safety tips together to keep everyone safe in and around the garage.

1. Make sure you keep your garage door opener remote out of  the reach of children.
2. Do not let children play with the remote because there is a risk they could overheat the motor or close it down onto something.
3. Find the garage door manual and learn how to activate and use the safety features.
4. Every month you need to look at your door, the cables, rollers, springs, pulleys and look for signs of wear and tear. Don’t attempt to repair anything on the door because there is high tension on all parts of the door that could result in injury to you and others.
5. Test the garage door opener by putting a 2×4 with a roll of paper towels on top. Put it under the door to see if the auto reverse is functioning properly when it becomes blocked from touching the ground. If the opener hasn’t been replaced since 1993, I would advise you to get a new opener with this very important auto reverse function.
6. Do not ever put your fingers between the sections of the door, and teach your children about how dangerous a garage door is. If you have little children you should try and get a door that has anti-pinch sections this will stop the door from hurting your children.
7. Do not ever leave your door partially open because this compromises your home’s security as well as there could be an unknown object that was put under the door in the time that it was open and you could close the door on top of it.
8. If you go on vacation you will need to unplug the opener and lock the garage door, or you could use a vacation lock console security switch that renders all other remotes unusable and is an optional accessory to most openers. (this function normally does not lock out the outside keyless entry)
9. If your opener does not have rolling-code technology you should consider changing your access code, or consider getting a new model that has these features standard.
10. There is a new trend in home invasion where the thief will steal your car, or garage remote out of your car and have an easy way to gain access top your house. Do not ever leave your remote in your car, if you have your car stolen you should immediately disengage the opener by unplugging and then call your local garage door technician to switch your opening access code. You should also consider getting a key chain type remote or carry it on your person at all times.

Just remember these simple tips and it will save you money and help keep you safe.