How Do I Open My Garage Door When the Power Is Out?

Where is the emergency release?

It is a red cord with a handle hanging from the opener rail, near the door. Pulling it disconnects the door from the opener.

How do I do it safely?

Make sure the door is fully closed first. If it is open, a broken spring could let it fall when released. Pull the cord down and back toward the opener, then lift the door from the handle or the bottom panel, keeping fingers clear of the joints.

How do I lock it?

Without the opener, the door is not locked. Use the manual slide lock if your door has one, or keep the door closed and the inside door to the house locked.

How do I reconnect it?

Once power returns, run the opener through a full cycle. Most openers reconnect automatically when the trolley meets the carriage. Some need the cord pulled toward the door to reset.

Should I get battery backup?

If outages or long trips are a concern, a battery backup opener lets the door run through a power cut. Ask about it when your opener is serviced or replaced.

What if the door is too heavy to lift?

A balanced door should feel like it weighs only a few pounds when the springs are working. If it feels very heavy, will not stay halfway open or drops when you let go, a spring is likely broken or worn out. Lower it gently, leave it closed and send a request for spring repair rather than forcing it.

More garage door guides

• What Does St. George Summer Heat Do to a Garage Door?
• Why Won't My Garage Door Close on Sunny Afternoons?
• How Can I Tell a Garage Door Spring Is About to Fail?
• How Do I Keep Dust and Sand Out of My Garage?
• Should I Repair or Replace My Garage Door?