Whether it is a storm or some other reason that your power is out, there is a way you can open your garage door. Here at Neighborhood Garage Door Service of St. Louis, MO, we have put together a short guide that will help you open your door. Even if the power is out, you still need to be able to get your vehicle in and out.
Pull the Emergency Manual Release Handle
The first thing you will need to do is to pull the emergency release handle on the door. All garage doors have a handle that hangs from the middle of the track. You will know this is the release handle because it is red. Many people use that string as a guide to park, but it has functions for emergencies.
What to Keep in Mind When Pulling the Emergency Release
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when pulling the emergency release cord. First of all, make sure that the door is fully closed. If the power has gone out while the door is opened, you will need to just leave it alone. When you pull the emergency release, it could cause the door to fall if it is open.
For your safety, only pull the release cord if the door is fully closed. While it is an inconvenience to have the door opened, it is better for your safety.
Can you Release the Emergency Cord From Outside?
Should your power go out and you become locked out of the house, there is potentially a way to release the cord from outside. You can use a wire hanger and feed it through the top of your door. Bend a hook shape into the hanger so that you can grab ahold of the release cord and pull.
The unfortunate thing about being able to release this cord from the outside, is that thieves are also able to do this. It is actually best to safeguard yourself from being able to pull the cord from the outside.
Gently Lift the Door and Close it Manually
Once you have pulled the release cord, the overhead door should be able to open using your hands. The cord keeps it from opening and closing manually.
Also, be sure that you have pulled the emergency release cord down towards the motor. This will keep it from becoming tangled in the track when you are opening and closing the door manually.
What to do When the Power Comes Back On
It is simple to re-engage the trolley attachment after the power comes back on. All you will need to do is pull the release cord towards the garage door opening. Then, pull open the door until the trolley snaps back into place.
Once you hear the trolley snap, then you should be able to use your door. If that didn’t work, use the button on your remote opener. That will force the spring attachment to get back to the right position.
If you are not sure how to open and close the door manually, be sure to contact Neighborhood Garage Door Service of St. Louis, MO. We will send a technician out to your home right away to assist you.
