Garage Door Safety Tips to Protect Kids and Pets at Home

Garage doors are part of everyday life for most families. You open and close them without thinking. But this large moving system can be dangerous if not cared for properly. That is why we are sharing smart garage door safety tips that every Omaha homeowner should know, especially if you have kids or pets.

At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we have seen how fast accidents can happen. The good news? Sometimes, the easiest steps are the most effective. Let us walk through the best ways to protect your family and keep your garage door running safely all year long.

Garage Door Safety Tips Start With Spotting Hidden Hazards

When it comes to garage door safety for families, understanding these hazards is the first step. Here are a few dangers that many homeowners in Omaha overlook:

Heavy Doors and Moving Parts Can Cause Harm

Garage doors are heavy. Some weigh over 200 pounds. If a spring or cable breaks, the door can slam down without warning. That much weight can hurt someone badly. Fingers or paws can also get pinched in the hinges or along the track.

Sensors Can Fail or Stop Working

Modern garage doors have safety sensors. In fact, since 1993, U.S. garage door openers have been required to include safety sensors, based on CPSC-enforced UL 325 standards. These should stop the door if something is in the way.

Yet, sensors can get bumped or dirty. If they don’t work right, the door might keep closing, even with a child or pet underneath.

Remotes and Keypads Can Be Misused

Kids love pressing buttons. If they find a garage door remote in the car or on the table, they might try it out. That can lead to the door opening or closing at the wrong time.

Top Garage Door Safety Tips for Omaha Families

Now that you know the risks, here are the best ways to reduce them.

1. Teach Garage Door Safety from Day One

Start by teaching your kids that the garage door is not a toy. They should never race under it while it is closing, try to ride it up, or hang from the handle. Keep the rules simple: no playing near the garage door, ever.

How about your pets? Do not let them run into the garage when the door is opening or closing. Supervise them when they are near the garage.

A few simple rules can go a long way in keeping everyone safe.

2. Test the Auto-Reverse Feature Monthly

Here is an easy way to check your garage door sensors:

• Place a paper towel roll or a small box in the path of the door.
• Press the button to close the garage door.
• If the door doesn’t automatically reverse after touching the object, your sensors may need adjustment or replacement.

Testing this regularly is one of the most important garage door safety tips Omaha homeowners should know. Faulty sensors are one of the top causes of preventable injuries. At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we recommend testing your sensors every 2–3 months. It only takes a minute, but it can prevent a major accident.

3. Install Motion Sensors and Smart Garage Door Openers

Smart garage door openers offer more control and visibility, especially when you are not home. You can:

• Check if your door is open or closed.
• Get alerts if it opens unexpectedly.
• Close it remotely from your phone.

Some smart systems even have built-in cameras or motion sensors. These upgrades make a big difference for garage door pet safety and give peace of mind to busy families.

4. Keep Remotes and Wall Buttons Out of Reach

One of the easiest garage door safety fixes is to move the remote. Kids love to press buttons. If they can reach the wall control or grab the remote from your car, they may trigger the door without even realizing it.

Here’s what you can do:

• Mount wall controls at least 5 feet off the ground.
• Do not leave remotes in unlocked vehicles.
• Store handheld remotes in a safe, high spot inside your home.

These small steps help avoid unintentional activation and keep your children safer around the garage.

5. Don’t Skip Regular Garage Door Maintenance

Like any machine, your garage door needs routine care. If your door makes strange noises, shakes when closing, or feels off balance, it is time for a checkup.

Every 6 to 12 months, we recommend scheduling a garage door safety inspection. Our certified Omaha technicians will:

• Check spring tension and balance.
• Clean and adjust sensors.
• Lubricate moving parts.
• Inspect for worn-out rollers, frayed cables, or loose brackets.

Catching problems now helps prevent major repairs and gives you peace of mind, especially with kids or pets at home.

6. Lock the Garage Door When You’re Away

If you are heading out of town or even just out for the day, make sure your garage door stays secure. Turning off the automatic opener can prevent kids or intruders from activating the door.

Here’s what to do:

• Unplug the opener or engage the vacation lock feature.
• Use a manual padlock on the track if needed.
• Double-check that the door is fully closed before leaving.

This tip adds a layer of protection not only for your family, but for your home’s security overall.

7. Practice Pet Safety Around Garage Doors

Pets often dart under the door when it opens or closes. It is instinct for them to chase movement or follow their humans. If your dog or cat has access to the garage, make sure they are always supervised. Avoid letting them roam while the door is opening or closing. You can also:

• Use a baby gate or pet barrier inside the garage
• Add a floor-level camera to monitor their movement
• Close the interior door to the house when the garage door is active

Garage door pet safety means staying alert and using a few simple barriers to reduce risk. Just like with small children, pets don’t always understand the danger. That is why it’s up to you to create a safer environment for them.

Garage Door Emergency Safety Tips

Even if you follow every safety tip, accidents can still happen. If someone gets stuck, injured, or trapped by the garage door:

• Do not try to lift the door yourself. You could make the situation worse.
• Use the emergency release cord only if it is safe and the door is not under pressure.
• Call 911 right away if someone is seriously hurt or cannot get out.
• Once everyone is safe, contact a trusted garage door technician for a full inspection and repair.

The sooner you act, the easier it is to prevent serious trouble. Always put safety first, then let the professionals take it from there.

Garage Door Safety Starts at Home

It only takes a few seconds for something to go wrong with a garage door. But with the right habits, tools, and support, you can protect what matters most—your kids, your pets, and your home.

At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we are here to help families feel safe and confident in their homes. From quick tune-ups to emergency garage door repairs, we treat every job like it is for our own family.

Need Help Making Your Garage Door Safer?

Don’t wait for a close call. At Omaha Garage Door Repair, we offer free estimates, warranty-backed garage door services, and certified technicians who follow the CPSC’s official garage door safety tips to ensure every home is protected.

Whether you are in Omaha, Springfield, or Bennington, NE, our team is ready to inspect, repair, and guide you on the best garage door safety practices for your home and family.

Call us today at (402) 819-5158 or book through our website to schedule your garage door safety inspection. Let’s make your garage a safer place, one door at a time.