The best time to plan for emergency access to your garage is before a power outage occurs. All garage door openers have a quick release to disengage the door from the opener, but family members should be familiar with how to use it safely. Even more important is how you can access this release if you can’t get inside the garage.
Here are some tips for managing your garage door during a power outage.
Quick release – Handle with care
The quick release is a red rope hanging from the opener motor that disconnects the garage door from the opening mechanism. Grasp the rope by the end (it will likely have a knob at the end to grip) and pull firmly to release the garage door carriage from the trolley. You should then be able to lift the door manually to the full open position.
Safety tips:
- Do not pull the release cord aggressively to avoid damaging the opener. It should release easily without yanking or pulling aggressively.
- Lift and lower the door using the handle on the lowest panel of the door. If the door is extremely heavy, get assistance from another adult.
- If the door is already open, do not use the quick release, as the door could slam closed, causing damage and injury.
- Be sure the door is in the closed position when reconnecting the trolley and carriage after power has returned. Simply pull the red rope up toward the motor until you hear the lever click into place.
If you are locked out of your garage
This is definitely a situation you should plan ahead for. If your garage is attached to your home and you don’t have a house key, a power outage will lock you out of your house. A detached garage will leave you without your car.
Consider the following options to access your garage from the outside:
- Every member of the household should carry a house key. In the event of a power outage you will be able to enter the garage from the house and access the quick release cord to open the garage door.
- If your attached or detached garage has a man door, be sure you have a key to that door that you carry or place with a neighbor.
- Consider outfitting your garage door with an outside quick release, which is a key-activated release cable installed near the top of the garage door that will disengage the door from the motor the same way your release cord does. Be sure to carry this key or place it with a neighbor.
- Consider installing a battery backup for your opener. Most units will provide power for 20 or more cycles before needing to be recharged.
Always take precautions when handling your garage door and opener. Move objects away from the door before using the quick release and be sure you have assistance when handling the door. Check the door carefully for damage to springs or cables before releasing the door and before re-engaging it after a power outage.
If you have questions or concerns about your garage door, opener, or your emergency options in the event of a power outage, contact the experts at Above & Beyond Door Systems. We can help with retrofitting your existing garage door and advise you if a new garage door is a better investment, and we are always available to handle your emergency repairs.