Garage Door Safety Features Every Homeowner Should Know

Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes. Understanding their safety features can prevent accidents. Auto-Reverse: Every opener made after 1993 must have an auto-reverse feature. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground under the door. When the door hits it, it should reverse immediately. Test this monthly. Photoelectric Sensors: The two sensors at the base of your door create an invisible beam. If anything breaks the beam while the door is closing, it reverses. Make sure they're aligned and the lights are steady (not blinking). Manual Release: The red cord hanging from the opener allows you to operate the door manually during a power outage. Motion-Activated Lighting: Many openers include lights that activate when motion is detected — great for nighttime security. Test these features every month. If anything isn't working, call a professional.