How Tampa Residents Can Improve Garage Door Safety

In Tampa, your garage door is more than just an entrance for your car; it is often the primary way you enter your home. Because it is the largest moving part in your house, keeping it safe is vital for protecting your family, pets, and property from accidents or intruders.

Monthly Safety Checks

You can catch most problems early by doing a quick visual check every month. Look at the following parts for wear or damage:

  • Cables: Check for rust, fraying, or kinks that could lead to a snap.
  • Springs: Look for gaps in the coils or signs of rust. Never try to adjust springs yourself, as they are under high tension and can cause severe injury.
  • Hardware: Tighten any loose bolts or screws on the hinges and brackets that might have rattled loose from daily use.

Testing the Safety Reverse

Since 1993, all automatic openers must have an auto-reverse feature to prevent the door from closing on someone. To test this, place a roll of paper towels or a 2x4 board on the floor in the door’s path. When the door hits the object, it should immediately stop and head back up. If it doesn't, your sensors may be misaligned or dirty.

Keeping Your Home Secure

Garage safety also means keeping unwanted visitors out. In the Tampa area, you can boost your security by:

  • Securing Your Remote: Do not leave your garage remote clipped to your car's visor, especially if you park outside; use a keychain remote or a smartphone app instead.
  • Updating Technology: Use openers with "rolling code" technology, which changes your access code every time you use it to prevent thieves from stealing your signal.
  • Adding Lighting: Motion-sensor lights outside your garage can deter anyone trying to sneak in under the cover of darkness.
  • Why does my garage door move slowly?

    In our humid Tampa weather, slow movement is often caused by a lack of lubrication or parts that have started to rust. It can also mean your motor is struggling because the door is out of balance.

  • Can my children play near the garage door?

    No. You should teach children that the garage door is not a toy. Make sure the wall-mounted button is at least five feet off the ground so they cannot reach it, and never let them "beat the door" while it is closing.

  • How do I know if my door is balanced?

    Pull the emergency release cord to move the door by hand. Lift it halfway up and let go; a balanced door should stay in place. If it slams shut or shoots up, your springs need professional attention.

  • What should I do if my garage door makes a loud "bang" like a firecracker?

    This is usually the sound of a torsion spring snapping. If this happens, do not try to open the door, as the motor could burn out or the door could fall. Call a professional to replace the broken spring safely.

  • Does a power outage mean I'm locked out?

    You can use the emergency release handle (usually a red cord) to move the door manually. For added safety during Tampa's summer storms, consider a battery backup system that lets your opener work even when the power is out.