Why Garage Door Safety Matters to Every Homeowner
May is garage safety month, a critical time when homeowners should evaluate the safety of the largest moving object in their homes. This annual observance was established by the International Door Association (IDA) and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) to raise awareness about potential garage door hazards and prevent injuries.
Quick Facts About Garage Door Safety Month:
- Observed every May across North America
- Promotes awareness of garage door hazards and maintenance
- Established by industry associations to reduce accidents
- Features the “Look, Listen, Learn & Remember” safety framework
- Encourages both DIY checks and professional inspections
Did you know that garage doors can weigh between 130 and 500 pounds? According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of injuries occur each year from improperly maintained garage doors, some of which are fatal. Since 2016, there’s been a 28% increase in hospitalizations for driveway accidents and a 19% increase in garage-related injuries.
Safety isn’t something we should think about just one month a year, but May serves as an excellent reminder to perform essential maintenance checks that could save lives.
The safety of your family and property depends on a properly functioning garage door system. Taking time this month to inspect components like springs, cables, rollers, and safety features can prevent accidents and extend your door’s lifespan.
I’m Preston Hiller, owner of Gecko Garage Doors with over 20 years of experience in the garage door industry, and May is garage safety month is something I’m passionate about sharing with homeowners throughout Phoenix Valley. As someone who has dedicated my career to ensuring garage doors operate safely, I’ve seen how proper maintenance prevents serious accidents.
What You’ll Learn
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find:
- The key risks associated with garage doors and why safety month matters
- Essential safety features every modern garage door should have
- Which maintenance tasks you can safely perform yourself
- When to call professionals like our team at Gecko Garage Doors
- How to leverage smart technology for improved garage safety
- Practical ways to educate children and guests about garage safety
- Warning signs that your garage door system may be failing
Why “May is Garage Safety Month”: Understanding the Risks
May is garage safety month for good reason – as the weather warms up and summer approaches, families spend more time in and around their garages. Kids are playing outside, DIY projects are in full swing, and all that increased activity means more garage door cycles each day. The timing couldn’t be better for a safety reminder!
The statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission paint a sobering picture. Each year, thousands of people suffer injuries related to garage doors. Even more concerning is that over 7,500 of these injuries involve children getting their fingers caught in door sections or tracks – something we’ve unfortunately seen in our service calls. For more comprehensive data on garage door injuries and prevention strategies, visit the Garage Door Safety Organization.
When you think about it, garage doors are essentially walls that move – weighing anywhere from 130 to 500 pounds – and most households operate them multiple times daily without a second thought. Beyond keeping your family safe, proper maintenance makes financial sense too. A well-maintained garage door offers a 75.7% return on investment according to remodeling statistics, making safety awareness a win-win for your family and wallet.
History of May is Garage Safety Month
May is garage safety month has been around longer than many people realize. Its origins date back to the early 1990s, right around the time the federal government mandated that all garage door openers include auto-reverse safety features in 1993. This regulation was a game-changer for garage door safety standards across America.
Each year since then, industry associations have developed comprehensive toolkits and resources that dealers like us at Gecko Garage Doors share with homeowners. These valuable materials include easy-to-follow inspection checklists, informative safety videos, and practical educational content.
“When we first started participating in Garage Safety Month back in the early days, we noticed an immediate impact,” shares Preston, our owner. “Customers became more proactive about maintenance, and we definitely saw fewer emergency calls for preventable accidents.”
Key Dangers Lurking in Your Garage
Your garage might seem harmless, but there are several specific hazards that make safety awareness crucial:
A malfunctioning door can create collapse concerns, coming down unexpectedly with tremendous force.
Spring snap incidents are particularly dangerous – torsion springs store enormous energy, and when they break, it is a loud booming noise especially if the garage door is open when the spring breaks the panels will slam down to the ground suddenly. We have an interesting true story about one of our employees, Luke, a Senior Technician was providing a spring replacement estimate and recommended replacing both springs since one was broken and the other was old and worn (the same age as the broken spring). He was describing that the other spring is likely to snap soon. He was sharing that it may be 6 weeks or 6 months but it will eventually happen. He was recommending that both be replaced to avoid another broken garage door or service call fee. Then, when he pointed to it, and the spring actually did snap. He and the customer were so shocked that it seemed to happen on cue. Wow! So as you can guess, Luke did end up replacing both springs that day.
Finger-pinch points between section joints are a real concern. The panels of a garage door create natural pinch points that small, curious fingers find all too easily. Children are especially vulnerable. Some garage door panels are installed with pinch resistant hinges and a special shield between panels to protect against this risk.
Opener malfunctions involving failed safety sensors or auto-reverse features can lead to entrapment situations. Many homeowners don’t realize these safety features need regular testing.
An unsecured garage door creates unauthorized access opportunities – it remains one of the most common entry points for intruders according to security experts.
Here in Arizona, our summer storm damage is no joke. Monsoon season can wreak havoc on garage doors that aren’t properly maintained, leading to unexpected failures when you least expect them.
Maria from Scottsdale shared her story with us recently: “I heard this weird grinding sound whenever my garage door opened. I remembered reading about Garage Safety Month on Gecko’s website and called for an inspection. They found a broken spring that could have caused the entire door to collapse. I’m so grateful I didn’t ignore that warning sign!”
Why Families & Homeowners Should Care
Beyond preventing injuries, there are compelling reasons why May is garage safety month should matter to every homeowner:
Your garage often contains valuable items and provides direct access to your home, making home security a top priority. A properly functioning door with modern security features protects what matters most.
Child safety concerns should be top of mind since children are particularly vulnerable due to their natural curiosity. Teaching kids proper garage safety is essential – something we’ll cover more later in this guide.
Many homeowners don’t realize that some insurance claims may be denied if negligent maintenance contributed to an accident or break-in. Regular maintenance isn’t just safe – it’s financially prudent.
A well-maintained garage door significantly improves property value and curb appeal. Since the garage door often makes up a large portion of your home’s visible exterior, its condition makes a big impression.
Properly sealed and insulated garage doors improve energy efficiency, especially important in our scorching Phoenix summers when keeping cool air in (and hot air out) directly impacts your utility bills.
At Gecko Garage Doors, we’ve seen how May is garage safety month has helped countless Phoenix Valley families avoid dangerous situations through simple awareness and maintenance. After 30 years in business, we’ve learned that an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure – especially when it comes to the largest moving object in your home.
Essential Garage Door Safety Checklist & Pro Tips for Homeowners
During May is garage safety month, we encourage all homeowners to take a closer look at their garage doors. This 130-500 pound moving giant deserves your attention—not just for peace of mind, but for the safety of everyone who passes beneath it.
Here at Gecko Garage Doors, we’ve developed a comprehensive safety checklist based on our 30 years of experience serving Phoenix Valley families:
Take time this month to examine your springs, cables, and rollers for wear. Test those photo-eye sensors with a paper towel roll (they should reverse the door immediately upon detection). Check your door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting it—it should stay in place when raised halfway. Remember to lubricate moving parts with silicone-based lubricant (please avoid WD-40, as it can actually damage components over time). And don’t forget to verify your emergency release works properly—this simple pull cord could save a life.
“May is Garage Safety Month” Self-Inspection Routine
The garage door industry promotes a simple but effective “Look, Listen, Learn & Remember” approach that we’ve seen save countless homeowners from accidents and costly repairs.
Look at your door carefully. Are the springs showing rust or gaps? Do the cables appear frayed? Are your rollers cracked? Check those safety sensor lights—they should be steady, not blinking, and properly aligned across from each other.
Listen to your door in operation. That grinding sound isn’t normal—it might indicate misaligned tracks. That popping noise? Possibly broken roller bearings. If your motor sounds like it’s struggling, your door may be unbalanced, putting unnecessary strain on your entire system.
Learn how your specific door works. Dust off that owner’s manual and familiarize yourself with the emergency release. Remember the six-inch rule for safety sensor placement—they should be no more than six inches from the floor to detect small children or pets.
Remember to schedule professional maintenance. Even the most diligent homeowner benefits from an expert’s trained eye once a year. Our Gecko Garage Technicians spot potential problems before they become dangerous failures.
The paper-towel test remains one of our favorite demonstrations during service calls. Simply place a roll in the door’s path as it closes—the door should reverse immediately upon contact. If it doesn’t, disconnect your opener right away and give us a call. Your family’s safety isn’t worth the risk.
Safety Features Every Modern Door Needs
If your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993, you’re missing crucial safety features that have since become standard. Modern doors should include:
Auto-reverse mechanisms that detect obstacles and immediately change direction. Photoelectric eyes that create an invisible safety beam across your doorway. Pinch-resistant panels designed to push fingers away rather than trapping them. Battery backup systems that keep you operational during power outages. Rolling code technology that prevents thieves from “grabbing” your remote’s code. And tamper-resistant brackets that prevent accidental release of spring tension.
DIY Maintenance You Can Handle Safely
While some repairs require professional expertise, there’s plenty you can safely do yourself:
Regular visual inspections cost nothing but time and can prevent major issues. Tighten loose hardware with a socket wrench—those vibrations during operation gradually loosen bolts and screws. Keep tracks clean of debris using a stiff brush (but never try to adjust the tracks yourself). Apply silicone-based lubricant to hinges, rollers and springs twice yearly. Replace remote batteries regularly. And clean your door’s surface with mild detergent to prevent deterioration and maintain curb appeal.
Repairs Only the Pros Should Do
We’ve seen too many DIY disasters to count. Some garage door components are simply too dangerous for homeowners to handle. Always call our Gecko Garage professionals for:
Spring replacement—these tightly wound coils store enormous energy and can cause serious injury if mishandled. Cable repairs require proper tensioning techniques and specialized tools. Track realignment demands precision to prevent binding or complete door failure. Electrical work on openers should never be attempted without proper training. Tension adjustments on springs involve calculated measurements that affect your entire door system. For more detailed information about professional repairs, visit our repairs page.
One of our Glendale customers left this review: “After researching DIY garage door spring repairs, I quickly realized this was not a job for amateurs. Called Gecko Garage Doors and their technician was professional, efficient, and took the time to explain why spring repairs can be dangerous. Their expertise gave me complete peace of mind and was absolutely worth the cost. Would recommend to anyone considering DIY repairs – don’t risk it!”
Warning Signs Your Door Is Becoming Unsafe
During the month of May it is garage safety month, pay special attention to these red flags:
Does your door move jerkily, stopping and starting during operation? That’s not normal. Unusual grinding or scraping noises indicate mechanical problems requiring immediate attention. If your door appears uneven when closed or one side moves faster than the other, your system is out of balance. Blinking or unlit sensor lights suggest safety system failures. Slow response to remote commands, excessive vibration, or a door that reverses without obstacles are all signs something’s wrong.
Smart Tech & Security Upgrades
Today’s garage doors offer impressive safety advances:
Smartphone control apps like myQ let you check if you left your door open—even from vacation. Built-in cameras provide visual verification of who’s entering your garage. Geofencing capability automatically opens your door as you approach. Remote lockout features disable operation when you’re away. Advanced encryption prevents thieves from stealing your remote code. Activity alerts notify you when your door operates unexpectedly. For more information about smart security technologies and industry standards, visit the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association.
Teaching Kids & Guests Safe Habits
Children naturally view garage doors as fascinating moving objects—which makes them particularly vulnerable to accidents.
Mount wall-control buttons at least 5 feet high, safely out of children’s reach. Make it an absolute rule: no hanging on or riding the garage door. Teach children to keep fingers away from section joints, even with newer pinch-resistant panels. Keep toys and bikes clear of the door’s path. Show family members how to use the emergency release in case someone becomes trapped. Store remotes where children can’t access them, and always maintain visual contact with the door until it completes its cycle.
Conclusion: Year-Round Safety Starts This May
While May is garage safety month gives us a perfect opportunity to focus on garage door safety, the truth is that these practices should become part of your year-round home maintenance routine. At Gecko Garage Doors, we’ve been proudly serving Phoenix Valley families for over three decades, bringing our expertise right to your driveway with prompt, reliable service and same-day availability when emergencies strike.
Our commitment to keeping Arizona families safe hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’re humbled by the more than 1,500 5-star reviews we’ve received from homeowners throughout Anthem, Phoenix, Buckeye, Peoria, Goodyear, Glendale, Wittmann, Scottsdale, Surprise, and surrounding communities.
Arizona’s summer heat puts extra strain on garage door systems. The combination of soaring temperatures and increased usage during summer activities can accelerate wear and tear on crucial components. Rather than waiting for a dangerous malfunction when you least expect it, why not take a proactive approach by scheduling your comprehensive safety inspection today?
Remember the simple but effective “Look, Listen, Learn & Remember” approach we discussed:
- Look carefully at your garage door components for any visible issues
- Listen for those telltale unusual sounds during operation
- Learn the ins and outs of your specific system and its maintenance needs
- Remember to schedule professional service at least once a year
Our certified technicians bring decades of combined experience to every home we visit. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs after a monsoon storm, or you’re considering upgrading to a modern, safer system, we’re here to help. We’ve built our reputation on honest assessments, quality workmanship, and transparent service – never pushing for unnecessary repairs or replacements.
“In the 15 years I’ve been using Gecko Garage Doors,” says longtime customer Maria from Peoria, “they’ve never tried to sell me something I didn’t need. Their annual safety inspections give me confidence that my family is protected, and their technicians always take time to answer my questions.”
Make this May is garage safety month the beginning of your commitment to a safer home. Contact Gecko Garage Doors today to schedule your comprehensive safety inspection and ensure your garage door system is protecting what matters most—your family.