We at Overhead Door Company of Northeast Arkansas are always trying to raise homeowner awareness of Garage Door Safety and keeping homeowners safe all year long.

The garage door is often the largest entry point into the home, and it is important for consumers to keep garage doors and remotes in proper working condition.  A well-functioning garage door is something most of us take for granted. However, there are certain things to keep in mind when it comes to safety and security for you and your family.

1. Make sure the garage door opener button is out of the reach of small children.  It should be mounted at least 5' from the floor. 

2. Do not let children play with the garage door remote controls. It could accidentially fall on them or a pet. 

3. Never place fingers between door sections.  Explain this to your children and consider buying the pinch-resistant doors. 

4. Always consult the owner's manual and learn how to use the garage door's emergency release feature.  

5. Visually inspect the garage door monthly.  Look at springs, cables, rolers and pulley's for signs of wear and tear.  These should only be fixed by a trained door technician. 

6. Test the garage door opener's reversing mechanism monthly by placing a 2x4 under the door's path.  If the door does not reverse after contacting the wood, call a qualified garage door specialist. 

7. While you are away or on vacation, unplug your garage door or use the wall vacation lock console security switch, which renders remotes unusable and is an optional accessory to most openers. 

8. Never leave your garage door partially open.  When activated again, it may travel downwards and hit the person or object in its pathway.  

9. If the opener does not have a rolling-code technology, be sure to change the manufacturer's standard access code on the opener and the remote or you need to consider investing in a newer model door with rolling-code technology which changes the access codes each time the opener is used. 

10. Never leave your remote in your car when you valet.  A stolen remote is easy access to your home.  Always lock your remote in the console until you return to car.  It's a small inconvenience for safety and security.