Holiday travel season is here. Whether you’re heading out of the Bay Area for Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, or a long winter getaway, one thing should be at the top of your home-prep list: securing your garage door.
For many Bay Area homes, especially in communities like Walnut Creek, San Mateo, San Jose, and Oakland, the garage door is the largest and often most vulnerable entry point. While front doors get plenty of attention, garage doors can be surprisingly easy targets for intruders when left unprotected.
This guide from Right Way Garage Doors walks you through the most effective, practical ways to secure your garage before you leave town.
Why Garage Door Security Matters During the Holidays
The holidays are one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and unfortunately, that means burglars take advantage of empty homes. The garage door is especially vulnerable because:
- It offers a quiet entry point compared to a front door
- Many homes store high-value items in the garage
- Older openers can be easily overridden
- Quick “fishing” techniques can release the emergency lever
A few simple steps now can prevent major headaches later.
1. Use “Vacation Mode” or Unplug the Opener
Most modern garage door openers have a vacation mode, also called a security lock. This feature disables all remote controls, meaning no one can open your garage door—even if they try to clone a signal or use an old opener.
If your opener doesn’t have this setting, simply unplug the opener before you leave.
Why it works:
- Prevents remote hacking or accidental openings
- Stops universal remotes from being used
- Ensures the door won’t be activated while you’re gone
This single step dramatically increases your home’s security during holiday travel.
2. Zip-Tie the Manual Release for Extra Protection
One of the most common break-in methods involves “fishing” the manual release cord with a coat hanger through the top of the door. It can take a burglar less than 10 seconds.
A simple solution? Use a strong zip-tie to secure the manual release mechanism.
Benefits:
- Prevents burglars from pulling the release from outside
- Costs only a few cents
- Still allows you to break the zip-tie in an emergency from inside
Be sure not to zip-tie the red handle itself, only the small opening in the emergency lever where the rope attaches.
3. Upgrade to a Smart Garage Door Opener for Peace of Mind
Bay Area homeowners are increasingly turning to smart home technology, and smart garage door openers are one of the most effective upgrades you can make.
What a smart opener gives you:
- Real-time alerts if your door opens
- Ability to open/close your door from your phone
- Activity logs while you’re traveling
- Integration with smart home security systems
If you’re traveling during the busy holiday season, being able to check your garage door from anywhere provides huge peace of mind.
4. Inspect and Reinforce Weather Seals
Your weather seals do more than keep out cold Bay Area moisture and winter drafts; they also prevent tools from being wedged under the door to pry it open.
Before you leave:
- Check the bottom seal for gaps
- Inspect side seals and top seals
- Ensure no daylight is visible around the door
A worn or cracked seal can make it easier for intruders to insert a pry bar. Replacing seals is an inexpensive way to reinforce your garage door.
5. Obscure or Cover Garage Door Windows
While garage door windows add curb appeal and natural light, they can also give burglars a clear view inside your garage.
To secure them:
- Install frosted or opaque window film
- Add curtains or interior blinds
- Replace clear glass with obscured or tinted glass
If a thief can’t see your belongings or whether you’re home, they’re far less likely to target your garage.
Additional Security Tips for Holiday Travel
Before heading out of town, consider these extra layers of protection:
- Lock the interior garage door leading into your home
- Remove garage door remotes from vehicles parked outside
- Use exterior lighting or motion sensors to deter nighttime activity
- Check that your garage door closes fully every time you use it
Small steps can make a big difference.
Keep Your Home Safe This Holiday Season
A secure garage door is essential to protecting your home while you’re away, enjoying the holidays. Whether it’s using vacation mode, upgrading to smart tech, or reinforcing weather seals, the right preparation ensures peace of mind.
If you want a professional security inspection or are considering a garage door upgrade, Right Way Garage Doors is here to help Bay Area homeowners stay safe year-round.
