While on vacation or away from home for extended periods of time, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a wall vacation lock console security switch, which is an optional accessory to most openers.

If your opener does not have a rolling-code technology system, be sure to change the manufacturer's satndard access codes on the operator and remote control.  By using the standard factory settings, your garage is vulnerable to break-ins by anyone with the same brand of remote control.

Consider purchasing a garage door opener with rolling code technology, which changes the access codes each time the transmitter is used to prevent code grabbing.  Overhead Door's CodeDodger and Genie's Intellicode have been incorporated as standard features into their full line of openers since 1995.

Wireless keypads, which activate the garage door opener with a personal identification number (PIN), are available for most garage door openers.  This allows family members to open the door without the use of a key or remote.  Never disclose the PIN or leave it written down.  Any mounting location for a keypad or a wall button must be in direct line of sight with the door.

Never leave the remote control in the car or with a parking attendant.  It should be treated like a house key.

Always lock the door from the garage to the inside of your home.  It is a small inconvenience for safety and security.