Automatic garage doors are great because they are convenient and easy to use for many homeowners. However, garage door openers are vulnerable when it comes to home security. They usually have an emergency lever attached, which is supposed to help in the event of a power failure or mechanical malfunction, so they can manually open it. This same lever can also help people get into the home more easily. With something as simple as a clothes hanger, a burglar can grab that lever and open the garage door. Here’s what you can do to prevent this from happening:
- Disable the Lever: Disabling the lever is the easiest way to prevent a thief from being able to use the lever to get into the home. Simply remove it. However, this means that if for some reason your garage door is not opening, you will have to reconnect it in order to get your car into or out of the garage.
- Lock the Lever: Usually, you can use a cable tie to keep the lever locked in place. However, this depends on your garage door. You can remove the tie yourself if you ever need to use the lever.
- Cover the Windows: If your garage door has windows, consider covering them. The windows allow a thief to easily see what they need to do in order to manipulate the lever.
There are a few other ways that a garage door is a threat to your home security. After you have taken precautions to help prevent the lever from becoming an easy way for a burglar to get into the house, you should also consider these few tips as well:
- Install a Motion Sensor Light: A motion sensor light above the garage door will easily deter a burglar trying to break into the garage at night. The motion sensor will direct focus on the thief and most likely steer them away from your home.
- Lock the Door to Your Home: If a thief does manage to get inside of your garage, if you have a secure lock on the door that goes into your home.
- Don’t Leave the Garage Door Opener in Your Car: You should consider hiding your garage door opener rather then leaving on your visor. If you have a built in opener, there is not much you can do. Many automobile manufacturers have it disabled until you put your keys in the ignition.
