May is Garage Door Safety Month

Protecting Your Home and Loved Ones

May is Garage Door Safety Month, an initiative of the International Door Association (IDA). To keep you and your family safe, Winfield Garage Doors is participating in Garage Door Safety Month this May and is available to discuss important safety issues, tips for garage doors safety, and how to prevent getting scammed by disreputable contractors in the industry. This month serves as a reminder for homeowners to prioritize the safety of their garage doors, ensuring the protection of their property and loved ones.

Garage doors, while convenient, can pose serious risks if not properly maintained or operated. From entrapment to falling doors, the potential dangers are numerous. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to accidents involving garage doors, making it crucial for homeowners to be vigilant and proactive in preventing mishaps. Laws and policies are in place like “the six inch rule” to insure that someone cannot crawl under the photo eyes undetected. Another protective measure for children is to keep the button to open the door at least 5 feet above the ground. 

Key Safety Tips

LOOK at the garage door, springs, cables and rollers for wear and tear. 

LISTEN for grinding or scraping sounds

LEARN:

• Keep the garage door opener and remote control out of reach of children
• Keep fingers and hands away from door sections and moving doors 
• Keep garage doors closed and remote controls out of sight to deter theft

What can you do to stay safe?

As we observe Garage Door Safety Month, Winfield is offering safety checks.

1. Regular Maintenance: Schedule an ANNUAL INSPECTION and maintenance check for your garage door. After all, you wouldn’t go more than a year without having someone look at your car!
2. Look out for tell-tale signs of danger. Watch out for wear and tear, such as frayed cables, damaged rollers, or misaligned tracks. One of the most important signs that you need service is that your unit has become noisy, or if it’s sluggish, going up slower than usual or if it’s crooked when it used to be straight. If you see any of these issues, you should immediately SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.
3. Test Safety Features: Modern garage doors come equipped with safety features such as auto-reverse mechanisms and photoelectric sensors. Test these features regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly. This testing is included in Winfield’s 20 point safety inspection.
4. Keep Clear: Keep the area around your garage door clear of debris, vehicles, and other obstructions. This prevents accidents and ensures smooth operation.
5. Educate Family Members: Make sure everyone in your household, especially children, understands the potential dangers associated with garage doors. Teach them how to operate the door safely and never allow them to play near it. Keep the button and remotes out of reach.
6. Invest in Professional Installation: When installing a new garage door or replacing components, rely on professional installation services. Proper installation is key to ensuring the safety and functionality of your garage door.

Promoting Awareness

Garage Door Safety Month is not only about taking proactive measures at home but also about spreading awareness within our communities. Share safety tips with neighbors, friends, and colleagues to help prevent accidents and injuries.

Let’s commit to making our homes safer for everyone. By prioritizing regular maintenance, educating ourselves and our loved ones, and promoting awareness, we can minimize the risks associated with garage doors and enjoy peace of mind knowing our homes are protected. 

 REMEMBER if you find any concerns regarding your garage door, contact a trained garage door professional and research thoroughly to avoid getting scammed. Winfield has been the go-to choice for Chester County Customers for over 40 years because we carefully train our employees and we don’t use subcontractors.

If you suspect any problems with your door system and need a qualified dealer, contact Winfield Garage Doors at 610-458-9596, info@winfieldgaragedoors.com, www.winfieldgaragedoors.com

Stay safe!