2026-01-02 7 min read Sarah Mitchell
# Child Safety Features: Protecting Your Family
A garage door can weigh 300-500 pounds.making safety features absolutely critical, especially in homes with children. As parents and grandparents ourselves at Garage Door Copalis Crossing, we take family safety seriously. Here's what every homeowner with children should know about garage door safety.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: - Garage doors cause approximately 30,000 injuries annually, Children under 14 are most at risk, Most injuries occur during closing, Proper safety features can prevent virtually all accidents
All garage door openers sold in the U.S. since 1993 must include:
When the door contacts an object while closing, it automatically reverses. Test this monthly by placing a 2x4 flat on the ground where the door closes. The door should reverse within two seconds of contact.
If your door doesn't reverse properly, this is an emergency repair situation.stop using the automatic opener until it's fixed.
These infrared sensors detect objects in the door's path and prevent closing. They're required to be installed no higher than 6 inches from the ground.low enough to detect a crawling child or pet.
Monthly test: Wave an object (like a broomstick) through the beam while the door is closing. The door should immediately stop and reverse.
Lights that activate when motion is detected help prevent accidents in dim conditions and deter intruders. This is especially valuable during Pacific Northwest winters when darkness comes early.
This feature automatically closes the door after a set time (usually 1-5 minutes), preventing the door from being left open accidentally. Great for busy families in Copalis Crossing, Ocean Shores, and Aberdeen who might forget to close the door.
Ensures the door can operate during power outages, preventing you from being trapped inside or locked out. Given occasional winter storms in Grays Harbor County, this feature provides valuable peace of mind.
Modern smart openers let you check if the door is open or closed from anywhere, and close it remotely if needed. Receive alerts when the door opens.useful for knowing when kids arrive home from school.
Modern garage door designs include joints that prevent fingers from being caught between panels. If your door is more than 15-20 years old, upgrading to pinch-resistant panels is a smart safety investment.
Start these lessons early and reinforce them regularly:
1. The door is not a toy - Never play with the door or remote 2. Never run under a closing door - Always wait for it to fully stop 3. Keep hands and fingers clear of door sections and hinges 4. Never touch springs or cables - These are under extreme tension 5. Tell an adult immediately if something seems wrong 6. Keep the remote away from younger siblings - Treat it like car keys
Consider mounting your wall button at least 5 feet high, out of reach of young children.
- [ ] Test the auto-reverse by placing a 2x4 under the door - [ ] Check that photo-eye sensors are aligned (LED indicators should be steady) - [ ] Visually inspect springs and cables for wear (but never touch them) - [ ] Ensure the door moves smoothly without jerking - [ ] Test the manual release to ensure it works - [ ] Check that the wall button and remotes function properly - [ ] Inspect the door's edge for sharp spots or damage
- Door doesn't reverse when it contacts an object, Photo-eye lights blink or are off, Door reverses randomly during operation, Door falls too quickly in manual mode, Unusual noises when operating, Door doesn't stay open when lifted manually
Never ignore safety system problems. Contact us immediately for repairs at +1 360 587 0674.
Every installation and repair we perform includes a comprehensive safety check. We ensure all safety features are working properly before we leave your home.that's part of our commitment to the families of Copalis Crossing and surrounding communities.
Schedule a safety inspection today.especially if your opener is more than 10 years old or you've recently moved into a home with an existing system.