Lawmakers Pass Wildfire-Related Garage Door Safety Bill

Thursday, August 16, 2018

SACRAMENTO -- Senator Bill Dodd’s wildfire safety-related proposal requiring newly sold or installed electric garage door openers to be equipped with backup batteries to prevent people from being trapped in their garages during power failures took a step closer to becoming law Thursday when it passed the Assembly with overwhelming support.

The bill comes in the wake of the devastating October wildfires that triggered widespread power outages, leaving many evacuees unable to open their garage doors to flee the flames. The remains of at least five victims were found where garages once stood.

“With the looming threat of more wildfires, we must do everything possible to keep people safe,” said Senator Dodd, D-Napa. “Requiring backup batteries on garage door openers will saves lives and ensure no one is left vulnerable.”

The senator is personally aware of the peril posed by power failures in the face of emergencies. He was forced to evacuate his own Napa home the night of the fall fires and could not open his heavy wooden garage door because power was out in his neighborhood. While garage door motors can be disconnected and opened manually, many people, especially seniors, find it difficult or impossible to do so.

“Most people don’t think about this until it is too late,” Dodd said. “My goal with this bill is to raise awareness and give people the security of a battery backup.”

Senate Bill 969 passed the Assembly on a 53 to 6 vote. It will go back to the Senate next week for concurrence before being sent to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature. It is supported by the Consumer Federation of California. Assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, is co-author.

“This past year’s fires demonstrate the need to protect people when the power goes out,” said Richard Holober, the Consumer Federation’s executive director. “This important legislation will keep people from being trapped in their garages.”

Residents who experienced firsthand that terror while trying to evacuate the approaching October firestorms applauded the bill’s progress. Santa Rosa resident Cheryl Diehm, who was stuck in her Oakmont garage, testified before lawmakers that it is a much-needed law.

“Thanks to Senator Dodd, we have a common-sense solution to what we discovered in October to be a widespread problem,” Diehm said. “Make no mistake -- this legislation will help save lives.”  

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.