Garage Door Safety: Protect Your Family from Hidden Dangers

Every year, garage doors injure over 30,000 Americans - and many of these accidents are completely preventable. As the largest moving object in your Dallas home, your garage door contains enough force to cause serious injury or death. Here's what every Dallas family needs to know to stay safe with professional garage door repair and maintenance.

The Shocking Statistics

National Safety Data:

• 30,000+ garage door injuries annually
• 7,300+ emergency room visits
• 85% of injuries involve children under 15
• $2.1 billion in annual medical costs
• 20-30 deaths per year from garage door accidents

Most Common Accident Types:

1. Crushing injuries from falling doors (40%)
2. Finger/hand entrapment in door sections (25%)
3. Spring-related injuries during DIY repairs (20%)
4. Remote control accidents with children (10%)
5. Electrical injuries from opener malfunctions (5%)

Dallas-Specific Risk Factors

Climate-Related Hazards:

• Extreme heat weakens springs and cables faster
• Storm damage creates hidden structural weaknesses
• Temperature fluctuations cause metal fatigue
• High winds stress door components beyond design limits

Local Construction Issues:

• Many 1980s-2000s homes have outdated safety features
• DIY installations often lack proper safety mechanisms
• Older homes may not meet current safety codes

Critical Safety Features Every Door Must Have

Mandatory Safety Systems:
1. Auto-Reverse Mechanism

• What it does: Reverses door if it contacts an object
• Test monthly: Place 2x4 board under door
• Failure signs: Door doesn't reverse within 2 seconds

2. Photo-Eye Sensors

• What they do: Stop/reverse door if beam is broken
• Test monthly: Wave object through beam while closing
• Common issues: Misalignment, dirt, spider webs

3. Manual Release Handle

• Purpose: Allows manual operation during power outages
• Location: Red cord hanging from opener trolley
• Important: Only use when door is fully closed

4. Rolling Code Technology

• Security feature: Changes access code with each use
• Prevents: Code grabbing and unauthorized entry
• Standard: Required on all openers since 1996

Your Monthly Safety Inspection Checklist

Visual Inspection (5 minutes):
✓ Check cables for fraying or broken strands
✓ Inspect springs for gaps or separation
✓ Look for loose bolts or hardware
✓ Examine door sections for cracks or damage
✓ Test door balance (should stay put when halfway open)
Safety Feature Testing (10 minutes):
✓ Test auto-reverse with 2x4 board
✓ Test photo-eye sensors with object
✓ Check manual release operation
✓ Test remote control range and function
✓ Verify door opens/closes smoothly

Danger Signs That Require Immediate Professional Attention

STOP USING YOUR DOOR IF YOU NOTICE:
🚨 Broken springs (visible gaps or separation)
🚨 Frayed cables (visible wire strands)
🚨 Door falls rapidly when opening/closing
🚨 Loud grinding or scraping noises
🚨 Door operates unevenly or gets stuck
🚨 Safety features don't work during testing

Professional Services for Safety

Garage Door Repair: Our professional garage door repair services ensure safe operation.
Spring Repair: Specialized garage door spring repair services prevent dangerous failures.
Safety Inspections: Comprehensive safety assessments identify potential hazards before they become accidents.

Child Safety: Protecting Your Most Precious Assets

Essential Rules for Families:

• Never let children play under or near the garage door
• Keep remote controls out of children's reach
• Teach children never to run under a moving door
• Install wall-mounted controls at least 5 feet high
• Explain the dangers in age-appropriate terms

Advanced Child Safety Features:

• Motion-detecting LED lights
• Smartphone alerts when door operates
• Timer-to-close functionality
• Vacation mode lockout
• Child-proof remote controls

The DIY Danger Zone: What Never to Attempt

NEVER attempt these repairs yourself:
❌ Spring replacement or adjustment (extreme injury risk)
❌ Cable repair (high tension, specialized tools required)
❌ Opener installation (electrical and mechanical complexity)
❌ Track realignment (precision required for safety)
❌ Motor repairs (electrical hazards)

Apollo's Comprehensive Safety Program

Our 23-Point Safety Inspection Includes:

• Complete hardware examination
• Safety feature testing and calibration
• Wear pattern analysis
• Preventive maintenance recommendations
• Child safety assessment
• Emergency preparedness planning

Emergency Response Promise:

• 24/7 emergency service availability
• Same-day response for safety issues
• Temporary securing for damaged doors
• Insurance claim assistance
• Loaner equipment when needed

Customer Peace of Mind:
"Apollo's safety inspection found a worn cable that could have failed catastrophically. They probably saved my family from a serious accident." - Robert K., Allen

Take Action Today

Your family's safety is worth more than any repair cost. Don't wait for an accident to happen.
Free Safety Inspection Includes:

• Complete 23-point safety assessment
• Safety feature testing and adjustment
• Written report with recommendations
• Child safety consultation
• Emergency contact information

Schedule your free safety inspection today. Contact us or call (469) 461-7233. Because when it comes to your family's safety, there's no such thing as being too careful.