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(NAPSI)-Storing everything but the car in the garage is nothing new; however, since the garage door is often the largest entryway into the home, not only is a cluttered garage a safety concern, but it may be a security soft spot as well.
Keep it Clean
All the stuff that doesn't have a place in the house often finds its way to the garage, transforming it into a huge, unorganized closet. For seasonal items, install ceiling storage units to make the best use of space. For everyday items, like sports equipment, mesh nets and hooks keep items off the floor and easy to reach.
Chemical Clutter
Pesticides, automotive fluids, lighter fluid, paint thinner, antifreeze and turpentine should have child-resistant caps, be clearly labeled and stored in a locked cabinet out of reach of children.
Workshop 101
Use wall space to store tools securely in place so they will not accidentally tip or fall over. Store ladders sideways, not upright, so kids can't climb them and they won't tip over on children or vehicles.
Securing the Largest Door to the Home
A safe garage is a shut garage. Never leave the garage door open, and install a deadbolt lock on the door between the house and garage. Treat the garage door opener remote control like a key. Don't leave it in the car where it can be seen. Hide it in the console, glove box or under the car seat. According to the Chamberlain GarageTrends Survey, 32 percent of homeowners never lock the door between the garage and home. If an intruder has possession of the garage door opener or if the garage door is open, it's like leaving your front door wide open!
A Baby Monitor for the Garage Door
If nagging questions about unlocked doors keep you up at night, handy gadgets like the Garage Door Monitor from LiftMaster instantly provide peace of mind. The Garage Door Monitor will flash a red light when the garage door is open and can be placed anywhere inside the home, like on a nightstand.
Unlocking the Future
Using keys to enter your home is so last century, right? New products like the LiftMaster Fingerprint Keyless Entry allow you to open the garage door with secure fingerprint technology, eliminating the need to remember entry codes. The entry pad reads up to four unique fingerprints, is wireless and weatherproof and offers the most secure access control technology available for the home's largest entry point.
Seeing is Believing
"Photo eyes" or safety sensors have been required on all garage door openers since 1993. These sensors are connected to the bottom of the track system and reverse the door when an infrared beam is broken. Chamberlain recommends a monthly test of their Protector System, which automatically reverses the garage door if anything--including children or pets--interrupts the invisible beam.
Test the reverse function by placing a 2x4, laid flat, under the center of the garage door. When the door hits the wood, it should reverse and go back up. A safety reverse system is a must when it comes to keeping your family safe around a heavy garage door. If the sensors are not working properly, visit www.liftmaster.com to locate a professional installer, or call Chamberlain's S.O.S. HotLine at (800) 528-5880.