10 Ways To Make Your Garage Door Safer for Kids and Pets
December 9, 2025
A garage door is one of the most frequently used moving systems in any Australian home, which means it deserves the same attention you would give to any major household safety feature. As a team at Advanced Garage Doors Systems, we often meet families who are surprised by how many simple habits and upgrades can dramatically reduce the risks for children and pets. Whether you have a modern automated opener or a standard motorised system, the following steps will improve safety around garage doors in Sydney and throughout Australia.
Auto-reverse sensors are one of the most important safety elements on a garage door. When something blocks the door, the system should immediately stop and reverse. These sensors work constantly and are exposed to dust, vibration and outdoor conditions, so they need regular testing to stay reliable.
Auto-reverse sensors prevent accidents by reacting the moment the door encounters an obstruction. Small layers of dirt, changes in alignment or minor bumps can affect their accuracy. Monthly testing helps you spot problems before they lead to unsafe situations.
Place a firm object like a piece of timber or a rolled towel under the door. When you press the close button, the door should touch the object and move back up without hesitation. If the door continues closing or pauses before reversing, it is time for a service.
What regular testing helps prevent:
While most openers include basic safety sensors, adding modern obstacle or motion sensors provides a stronger level of protection. These sensors detect movement earlier, which is especially helpful if your household has curious children or pets who approach the garage unexpectedly.
Modern sensors are designed to recognise motion or objects before they reach the closing door. They respond faster and more accurately than older systems.
These use a light beam to detect anything crossing the doorway. If the beam is interrupted, the door stops immediately.
These identify movement in the surrounding area, which gives even earlier warning that someone or something is approaching.
Choosing sensors that comply with this Australian Standard ensures your system is safe, reliable and suitable for local climate conditions. It also provides confidence that the sensors are compatible with modern openers used in Australian homes.
When upgrading sensors is especially valuable:
Young children are naturally curious and often see remotes and buttons as toys. Because garage doors are heavy moving systems, it is important to keep all controls secure and out of reach.
A child pressing a remote or button at the wrong time can easily create a dangerous situation. Managing access helps prevent accidental door operation.
Wall buttons should be positioned at least 1.5 metres above the ground. This height keeps them out of reach for younger children.
Avoid leaving remotes on benches, side tables or inside unlocked cars. Store them where only adults can access them.
Better storage habits:
Springs and cables are essential for lifting and lowering the door, but they hold a great amount of tension. If a child or pet touches these components, the risk of injury is significant. Protective covers provide a simple way to make these parts safer.
Springs and cables can snap or move unexpectedly if damaged or tampered with. Children and pets do not understand the risk and may try to touch or play near these areas.
Protective covers create a barrier that keeps little hands away from high-tension components. They also prevent small toys or objects from becoming lodged inside the tracks.
Benefits of protective covers:
By shielding components from weather and contaminants, protective covers help reduce wear and extend the life of your garage door system.
Many garage doors close faster than people realise. Pets often dart across the entryway without warning, and slowing the closing speed gives them more time to escape safely.
Young children and pets move unpredictably. A fast-moving garage door reduces their chance of moving out of the way in time.
A slower descent makes the door easier to predict, reduces sudden impacts and gives everyone more time to react.
Benefits of a slower closing speed:
Most modern openers allow you to adjust speed through the control panel. Older systems may require a technician.
Many accidents happen simply because the doorway is poorly lit. Good lighting around the garage helps everyone see clearly, especially during early mornings and evenings.
Bright lighting allows drivers, walkers and pets to see hazards before approaching the door. It also makes the garage easier to navigate at night.
Types of lightning that improve safety:
Improved lighting enhances home security and provides better visibility for parking, organising belongings and operating the door safely.
Garage doors are fascinating to children, but they should never be treated as toys. Early education helps create long-term safe habits.
Children often copy what they see and may not understand the danger of a moving garage door. Clear and consistent rules help prevent injuries.
Use simple explanations and visual markers like chalk lines or tape to show areas where they should not stand or play.
Explain how sensors, motors and moving parts work so they understand why they must never touch or interfere with them.
Safety rules worth reinforcing:
The garage often becomes a catch-all storage area, but clutter near the entrance can create safety hazards. Keeping the doorway clear ensures the door can operate smoothly.
Objects near the door can interfere with sensors, cause jams or be struck by the moving door.
Hooks, shelves and storage racks help keep bulky items off the floor and reduce the chance of blocking the doorway.
Items that should never be near the door:
A clear entryway reduces accidents, prevents damage and helps maintain smooth operation of the garage door.
Smart garage door systems make it easier for parents to monitor and control access whether they are at home or away.
Smart systems allow you to open, close, lock and check your garage door from a mobile device. This ensures you always know whether the door is secure.
Key smart features Australian homeowners prefer:
Smart features help you prevent accidental openings, keep track of who is using the garage and make sure the door is never left open unintentionally.
Even the most modern garage door needs regular servicing to remain safe and compliant. A trained technician can identify wear and tear before it becomes a hazard.
Springs, cables and rollers weaken over time and need adjustment or replacement to remain safe.
What technicians check during servicing:
Regular servicing prevents breakdowns, reduces repair costs and ensures your garage door remains safe and reliable.
Improving garage door safety does not require major renovations. Simple routine checks, thoughtful upgrades and consistent habits can create a much safer environment for children and pets. As a team at Advanced Garage Door Systems, we encourage homeowners to stay proactive with servicing and safety improvements to ensure their garage door remains dependable, compliant and safe for many years to come.
