Garage Safety Guide: 7 Tips for Homeowners
One great benefit of having a garage is using it to store items, personal belongings, power tools, vehicles, and more. It’s important to equip your garage door system with safety features to prevent accidents, burglaries, and unexpected damage. A garage door stands as the largest entryway into your home, so following these garage safety tips can help keep you and your family safe.
1. Put a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Garage
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that originates from burning gasoline and other forms of fuel. Inhaling this poisonous byproduct from a vehicle’s exhaust system can lead to serious injury or death in just minutes.
If your garage is connected to your home, installing a carbon monoxide detector is a smart idea. Similar to fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors alert you when levels of the poisonous gas are present. Over 400 deaths occur in the U.S. each year due to accidental exposure to carbon monoxide. This simple device can help protect you and your family.
We recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors across shared garage walls and rooms directly above your garage. Test your detectors regularly and make sure the alarms can be heard in all bedrooms in your home.
2. Install Security Cameras in or Around Your Garage
Many times, home burglaries are planned out in advance as thieves monitor your home’s activity for days before taking action. Luckily, there are a number of affordable home security systems on the market. Consider installing cameras within your garage to deter any unwanted visitors.
Today’s modern security cameras come with apps that connect to your smartphone and tablet. Whether you’re at home or at work, you can have the satisfaction of knowing what is going on 24/7. In addition, security cameras help you make an informed decision about the next best action to take.
3. Take Remote Openers Out of Your Car
We are all familiar with smart remotes that can open and close your garage door at the push of a button. Garage door systems typically come with clips that attach to car visors and interior features. You can help prevent a garage door break-in by taking these devices out of your vehicle instead of leaving them in your car in plain sight.
Leaving automatic openers in your car creates a target for potential burglars. In the event you forget to lock your car door, anyone can take this technology without you realizing it. Keep openers in a safe place inside the house, or refrain from using these devices altogether.
4. Always Lock Connecting Doors and Entryways
Homeowners feel a sense of security after closing the garage door. It’s also crucial to lock corresponding entryways after you go inside. Deadbolt locks are a cost-friendly way to block home intruders from entering the house through the garage.
If possible, connect doors to your home security system. This way, you’ll know immediately if there is suspicious activity taking place around the perimeter of your house.
5. Use Motion Detection Lights
Thieves usually infiltrate garages when they can go unseen. Anything that interrupts their progress may prompt them to leave the premises. Consider purchasing outdoor spotlights that are triggered by movement. If a burglar tries to approach your property at night, the lights will turn on to indicate someone is home. Plus, motion detection lights help security cameras get a better look at suspects, which helps local authorities.
6. Ensure Your Garage Door Functions Correctly
Garage door systems that are outdated and show signs of deterioration make it easier for burglars to break in. Perform visual inspections at least twice a year to make sure your garage door fully closes and functions properly. Gaps between weatherstripping and unbalanced panels, for example, can be areas of concern. Have a technician on your setup to ensure sensors and calibration settings operate correctly.
7. Remember to Shut the Garage Door
This safety tip for garage owners may seem obvious, but it remains important to remember. Always shut your garage door when you leave the premises to protect your home and belongings. This step also prohibits children from gaining access to any dangerous equipment that you may store in your garage.
Contact Madison Local Garage Door Pros for Repair Services in Madison, WI
Notice unusual garage door behavior? Turn to Madison Local Garage Door Pros for timely repair services. We proudly serve residents in Madison, WI, and nearby locations with a focus on spring and cable repair as well as installations.
Contact us to schedule an appointment, or give us a call at (608) 515-1449 today.