Garage Door Safety Month: Protecting Children and Pets Around Garage Doors and Automatic Gates
Every May, Garage Door Safety Month reminds us of one vital truth: what’s convenient for adults can pose serious risks for children and pets. At Consolidated Overhead Door & Gate, we’ve served families throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Carpinteria, Hope Ranch, and Ventura for over 60 years—and we’ve seen how easily accidents can be prevented with just a few thoughtful precautions.
This year, we’re placing special emphasis on how families can keep their youngest (and furriest) members safe around garage doors and automatic gates.
Why Children and Pets Are at Greater Risk
Garage doors and gates are heavy, motorized systems under high tension. While convenient and secure, they can pose threats to those who aren’t prepared for how fast or forcefully they move. Here are just a few common danger zones to be aware of:
Unexpected Activations: Kids love pressing buttons—especially the ones that open or close things. Unsupervised access to wall-mounted openers or remotes can trigger motion when someone or something is in the way.
Crush or Block Zones: A lowering garage door or sliding gate can compress anything beneath it. Without functioning safety sensors, this can be a serious risk for small children or curious pets.
Contact Points & Gaps: Hinges, rollers, and folding segments can catch fingers or paws during motion. These contact areas need to be out of reach and regularly inspected.
MAY IS GARAGE DOOR SAFETY MONTH - Let Consolidated Overhead Door & Gate be a part of your Garage Door Safety Plans.
How to Create a Safer Environment
Here are some safety-forward practices that align perfectly with Garage Door Safety Month and help you protect your entire household:
🔹 Test Your Safety Sensors Regularly
Every garage door should have working photoelectric sensors that reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam. Test this monthly with a paper towel roll. If the door doesn’t reverse, it’s time to call us.
🔹 Install a Smart Opener with Battery Backup
Modern garage door openers include app controls, motion sensors, and built-in cameras. You can monitor activity, get safety alerts, and keep things running even during power outages. With SB-969 in effect since 2019, battery backup is now required in California.
🔹 Keep Remotes Out of Reach
Treat remotes like car keys. Store them high and away from curious little hands. Explain to your children that garage doors are powerful machines, not toys.
🔹 Fence Off Access When Possible
If your home allows, install a gate or fence to separate the garage door or automatic gate area from where your kids and pets play. Physical barriers can prevent accidents before they start.
🔹 Talk Safety with Your Kids
A simple, age-appropriate conversation can go a long way. Teach your children:
Never to race under a closing door
Not to touch cables or springs
To alert you if the door sounds different or doesn’t close right
Signs It’s Time for a Professional Tune-Up
Not everything is visible to the untrained eye. If you notice any of the following, give us a call before issues escalate:
The door feels heavy or uneven
Loud grinding, squeaking, or popping noises
Inconsistent or sluggish opener response
The auto-reverse feature fails the test
Trusted Service, Safer Families
We take pride in being Santa Barbara County’s go-to experts for garage door safety and repair. When you book with Consolidated, you can expect:
Detailed safety inspections
Repair and replacement of springs, cables, rollers
Modern opener installation with app and camera features
Ongoing maintenance plans tailored to your needs
Let’s Make Garage Door Safety Month Count
Let this May serve as a powerful reminder that small steps save lives. Schedule a safety check, talk to your kids, and make sure your garage and gate systems are built for protection as much as convenience.
👉 Call Consolidated Overhead Door & Gate at (805) 965-0539 or schedule your inspection online today.