Back to school season is one of the busiest times of year for Texas families. Between school drop offs, after school sports, and the daily hustle of work and errands, your garage door is likely seeing more use than ever. This is the perfect time to make sure your garage door system is operating safely and reliably.

As experts in garage door installation and repair across Houston, Austin, and surrounding areas, we at LGA Garage Door Service want to help you stay ahead of potential safety risks. Whether you are a parent of small children or just want extra peace of mind during the school year, these tips will help keep your household safe and secure.

Test the Garage Door Safety Sensors

Your garage door’s safety sensors are designed to stop and reverse the door if something crosses the path while it is closing. This is essential protection for children, pets, and vehicles.

To test the sensors:

1. Open your garage door
2. Press the close button
3. Wave a broomstick or cardboard box across the base of the doorway

If the door does not automatically reverse, there may be an issue with the sensor alignment or functionality. You should clean the lenses and check that both sensors are pointing directly at each other with no obstruction. If the problem continues, schedule a professional inspection right away.

Inspect and Secure Your Garage Door Openers

With kids heading back to school, it is important to review how garage door openers and access panels are used. Check the battery strength in all remotes and ensure no one has misplaced a device.

Here are a few remote safety tips:

• Never leave garage remotes in unlocked cars
• Teach children not to play with the remote or wall button
• Reprogram remotes if one has gone missing
• Consider upgrading to a smart garage system that uses phone-based access

This is also a good time to go over your household garage rules and make sure children understand how to use the door safely.

Lock Your Garage Door Before You Leave

Many homeowners forget that an automatic garage door still needs to be secured. While it may seem like the opener is enough, burglars can find ways to manipulate older doors. Make a habit of locking the garage door before heading out for the day.

There are several solutions for this, including manual slide locks and upgraded opener systems with automatic locking features. If you are unsure whether your system is secure, we are happy to inspect it.

Talk to Your Kids About Garage Door Safety

Back to school routines mean more foot traffic and more chances for accidents. Remind your children of these key safety rules:

• Never run under a moving garage door
• Do not touch springs, cables, or other mechanical parts
• If something breaks or gets stuck, tell an adult

Even older children should understand that garage doors are not toys and should be treated with care.

Upgrade to a Smart Opener for Better Visibility

Smart garage door openers let you monitor usage from your phone. You can see when the door was opened, receive alerts if it stays open too long, and even close it remotely while at work.

This is a helpful upgrade for busy parents, especially if teenagers are coming and going during the day. It adds an extra layer of security during the high-traffic school months.

Schedule a Back to School Garage Safety Inspection

If you have not had your garage door serviced in the last year, now is the perfect time. LGA Garage Door Service offers professional tune ups and inspections for both residential and commercial systems.

We check all safety features, test the balance and alignment, and make recommendations for long-term reliability. With locations in Houston and Austin, we proudly serve families throughout Texas and help prepare your garage for the busy months ahead.

Conclusion

As school gets back in session, your garage door becomes a central part of your family’s daily routine. Do not wait for something to break. Take a few minutes to test, inspect, and reinforce garage door safety now.

Need help? Call LGA Garage Door Service today or fill out our form. We are here to make sure your garage door runs safely and smoothly all year long.