Using your garage as a haunted attraction or trick-or-treat station is always a fun Halloween activity. As the overhead door opens, your neighbors gaze in amazement at your display. However, a malfunctioning door or a dimly lit area can put a damper on the festivities. Serious accidents lead to costly repairs and, worse, unexpected medical expenses. Safety should always be a priority on Halloween, and your garage door is no exception.
Inspect Your Garage Door
Start by inspecting your garage door to ensure it opens and closes properly. A malfunctioning door is a safety risk for anyone walking in and out of your garage. Plus, it ruins the Halloween display you worked so hard to create. Consider hiring a professional from Legacy Garage Doors in Boise for a full garage door inspection a few weeks in advance. This way, you have time to schedule any necessary garage door repairs before the big day.
Test the Reversal System
The automatic reversal system is essential for Halloween safety, especially if children are running in and out of your garage. If someone ducks or runs under the door while it is closing, it automatically opens to prevent injuries or worse. Without this feature, your garage becomes a scary place for all the wrong reasons. This is why it is important to test the automatic reversal system before Halloween.
One way to test the automatic reversal system is to place a small item under the door and close it. If the door does not automatically open, something is wrong with the reversal system. You must call a technician for an inspection and repair immediately.
Brighten the Garage Area
While dark and spooky areas are a staple of Halloween, this does not include your garage. The last thing you want is for someone not to see the garage door opening or closing. You also need a clear view to ensure the door functions properly throughout the night. Furthermore, you want to provide enough light for guests to maneuver the garage itself. A well-lit area may not fit the aesthetic you have in mind, but it ensures everyone has a safe Halloween.
Choose Door Decorations Wisely
If you are decorating the garage door, consider using lightweight magnets or removable decals. It is best to avoid using anything that can disrupt the door’s operation. While dangling spiders and ghosts are tempting, they can easily become trapped in the door mechanism. This causes the door to not function correctly, leading to potential injuries and half-displayed decor. Instead, hang the decor on nearby trees or move the display to another area.
Keep the Remote Out of Reach
When small children are curious, their little hands are quick to grab specific items. You do not want your garage door remote to be one of those items. Those buttons are tempting for children, causing them to close the garage even when people are under the door. While the automatic reversal system helps prevent accidents, it is best to prevent the issue altogether. Keep the garage door remote out of reach of children by placing it on a high shelf.
When Not in Use, Keep It Closed
If you are not using the garage for Halloween, keep the door closed. First, it keeps children from wandering in and potentially getting hurt by the door or the garage’s contents. Secondly, it keeps your valuables safe from those with bad intentions. Turn off the lights inside the garage and avoid decorating the door to discourage trick-or-treaters or neighbors. You can keep the exterior lights on to create a safe area for yourself and others.
Consider a Garage Door Alarm
A garage door alarm is convenient year-round, but especially if you are not using the garage for Halloween. The alarm alerts you to anyone tampering with the garage door, from trick-or-treaters to mischievous youngsters. It also deters potential burglars taking advantage of the holiday and provides peace of mind. You can easily install a wireless garage door sensor and alarm, offering an extra layer of protection this Halloween.
Schedule Your Garage Door Inspection With Legacy Garage Doors Today
Our company has been serving Boise and the surrounding areas since 2018. To ensure a job well done, every technician has undergone training in garage inspection, repair and installation. Whether you have broken springs or an out-of-track door, our team can handle it all. Our services extend to various garage door types and openers in both residential and commercial buildings. We have an A+ rating with the BBB and high ratings on Google, Angi, HomeAdvisor and Expertise.com.
If you are ready to schedule your garage door inspection in Boise, contact Legacy Garage Doors for more information today.
