Essential Garage Door Safety Tips You Should Know

Every Omaha homeowner relies on their garage door more than they realize. It opens and closes several times a day—rain or shine, summer or winter. While it’s easy to take for granted, your garage door is one of the heaviest and most-used moving parts. That is why garage door safety should always be a top priority.

In this blog, we will walk you through simple, practical garage door maintenance tips. Whether you use your garage for parking, storage, or as a main entry to your home, these tips can help keep your family and property safe. Let’s get started.

Why Garage Door Safety Is Important

You might think a garage door accident won’t happen to you, but it happens more often than you would expect. Did you know that garage doors are linked to around 20,000 to 30,000 injuries every year in the United States from accidents where people get hit, pinched, or crushed? Many of which could be prevented with proper safety checks and maintenance.

In Omaha, the extreme seasonal temperatures don’t help either. Cold snaps and heatwaves put extra stress on garage door parts, which makes regular safety checks even more important for local homeowners.

Want to avoid accidents and unexpected repairs? Keep reading for expert tips on staying safe, saving money, and extending the life of your garage door.

Tip #1: Start with Regular Garage Door Maintenance

One of the best garage door safety tips we can give is to stay on top of maintenance. A well-maintained garage door is a safer door.

Here’s what you can do at least once a month:

• Look over your springs, rollers, cables, and hinges.
• Watch and listen as the door opens and closes. Any loud noises or jerky movements could be signs of trouble.
• Make sure nothing looks loose, rusted, or out of place.

If something seems off, do not try to fix it yourself. Garage doors have a lot of tension, especially in the springs and cables. These parts can snap and cause serious injury. That is why it’s best to call in a pro—like Omaha Garage Door Repair.

Tip #2: Test the Auto-Reverse Feature Regularly

Most newer garage doors are designed with an auto-reverse feature that adds an extra layer of protection. This system stops the door and sends it back up if it touches something while closing. In fact, since 1993, the federal law has mandated that all garage door openers manufactured and sold in the U.S. must include a functioning auto-reverse system and photoelectric safety sensors.

Here’s how to test it:

1. Place a small object (a block of wood or roll of paper towels) where the door closes.
2. Close the door using your remote or wall switch.
3. If the door doesn’t reverse immediately upon contact, the system needs repair.

If your door fails this test, contact an Omaha garage door expert right away.

Tip #3: Clean and Align Your Garage Door Sensors

Ever noticed those little devices near the bottom of your garage door tracks? Those are your photo-eye sensors. They create an invisible beam—if something crosses it while the door is closing, the door should stop.

But here’s the thing: if the lenses get dirty or knocked out of place, the sensors can stop working. A spider web or a bit of dust can actually block the beam.

So once a month:

• Gently wipe the safety sensors with a soft cloth.
• Make sure both sensors are pointing straight at each other and have solid green or red lights.
• If one is blinking or off, that is a sign they are out of alignment.

This quick check can prevent a dangerous situation and is a key part of every garage door safety inspection.

Tip #4: Teach Garage Door Safety to Kids

Kids are curious by nature, and garage doors can seem like fun to play with. But they are not toys.

Here are a few safety rules to teach your children:

• Never hang on the garage door.
• Do not play with the remote or wall button.
• Stay away from the door when it is moving.

Make it a habit to keep remotes out of reach and mount the wall button at least five feet above the ground. It is a simple practice that can prevent serious accidents.

Tip #5: Don’t DIY Garage Door Spring Repairs

Some homeowners in Omaha like to roll up their sleeves and take care of home repairs. But when it comes to garage door springs or cables, it is not worth the risk.

These parts hold a lot of tension. If a spring snaps or a cable slips while you are working on it, it can cause severe injuries.

Instead, look out for warning signs like:

• Gaps in your springs
• A crooked door
• Struggling to open the door manually

If you see any of these, schedule a professional garage door safety inspection. Call a trusted local company like Omaha Garage Door Repair. We have certified technicians and high-quality replacement parts to keep your door operating safely.

Tip #6: Keep Remotes and Wall Controls Out of Reach

Just like you would baby-proof cabinets, it is smart to install wall-mounted controls at least five feet off the ground. This step keeps little hands away from dangerous buttons.

If you use a remote, keep it somewhere safe—not in a car visor that is easy to reach through a broken window. Also, consider switching to a smart garage opener so you can open and monitor your door using your phone.

These small changes go a long way in improving garage door safety and reducing the risk of break-ins.

Tip #7: Lock Your Garage When You’re Away

Heading out of town or just leaving for the day? Make sure your garage is secure. If your opener has a “vacation mode” or “lock” feature, use it. This feature restricts remote access until you turn it back on.

For added protection, consider installing a manual lock or smart lock system. At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we can recommend security upgrades that match your home and your budget. A secure garage door keeps your tools, vehicles, and entryways safe.

Tip #8: Schedule an Annual Garage Door Safety Inspection

Just like your HVAC or plumbing, your garage door needs a yearly checkup. A professional garage door safety inspection covers:

• Spring tension and balance
• Sensor alignment and function
• Condition of cables, rollers, hinges, and tracks
• Opener performance and safety features
• Overall door condition and wear

Preventive garage door maintenance saves money in the long run and keeps your family safe. Our Omaha team is pleased to perform these inspections and offer honest feedback with no pressure. Contact us today for a free estimate.

By following these garage door safety tips, you are taking the right steps to protect your home and loved ones.

Need Help with Garage Door Safety in Omaha?

Noticing strange noises, uneven movement, or slow response from your garage door? These could be signs of an unsafe garage door, and it is not something to ignore. If you are unsure about your door’s condition or just want peace of mind, Omaha Garage Door Repair is here to help.

Our trained and certified local technicians know what to look for and how to fix it fast. Whether you need a quick repair or a full garage door safety inspection, we’ve got your back.

Call (402) 819-5158 today to schedule your service and protect what matters most. Let’s make sure your garage door stays safe, smooth, and stress-free.