How to Manually Open Your Garage Door During a Florida Power Outage
Florida weather is famous for afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane seasons that often lead to sudden power outages. When the electricity goes out and your garage door opener stops working you are not necessarily stuck. Most systems are designed with a manual override that allows you to operate the door by hand.
Door Master Clinic wants to ensure every homeowner in our service area knows how to safely manage their garage door when the power fails. Following the correct steps prevents damage to the door and keeps you safe.
Door Master Clinic provides fast emergency garage door repair services throughout St. Augustine and the surrounding St. Johns County area. We understand that a trapped car is an urgent matter that affects your schedule and your home security.
Steps to Open Your Garage Door from the Inside
If you are inside the garage and need to get your car out during an outage follow these instructions.
- Ensure the Door is Fully Closed
Never attempt to disengage the garage door if it is partially open. Without the motor holding it the door could crash down and cause serious injury. Always start with the door in the fully closed position. - Locate the Emergency Release Cord
Look for the red rope hanging from the opener track, usually near the center of the garage. This is the manual release cord. It is designed to disconnect the door from the automated carriage. - Pull the Red Cord
Grasp the handle and pull the cord straight down. You should hear a click or see the spring lever on the trolley shift. This action unhooks the door from the motor rail. - Lift the Door Manually
Once the door is disconnected use the handle at the bottom of the door to lift it straight up. If your garage door is properly balanced it should be relatively easy to lift. If the door feels extremely heavy or resists movement, stop immediately as you may have a broken spring. - Close and Lock the Door
After you have moved your vehicle pull the door back down manually. Since the motor is disconnected the door will not lock automatically. Slide the manual lock bar on the side of the door to secure your home.
How to Open Your Garage Door from the Outside
If you arrive home and the power is out you can still gain entry if your door is equipped with an emergency release kit.
- Locate the Keyhole: Look for a small round lock cylinder near the top center of the door.
- Unlock and Pull: Insert the key and pull the lock tumbler out. This will pull a cable that triggers the release cord inside.
- Lift the Door: Once you hear the click, lift the door manually from the outside.
Reconnecting Your Door After Power Returns
When the lights come back on you will want to restore automatic operation.
- Make sure the garage door is fully closed.
- Pull the red emergency cord again but this time pull it toward the door away from the motor.
- Manually lift the door until you hear a loud click which means the trolley has reconnected to the carriage.
- Test the door by pressing the wall button or remote.
Is it hard to lift a garage door by hand?
A healthy garage door is balanced by springs and should be easy for one person to lift. If it feels like it weighs hundreds of pounds your springs are likely worn out or broken.
Will pulling the red cord break my opener?
No. The cord is designed exactly for this purpose. It is a safety feature that allows for manual use without damaging the motor or the tracks.
What if I don't have an outside release kit?
If you do not have an exterior release lock and your garage is the only way into your home you may need professional assistance to gain entry without causing damage.
Should I leave the door open during the outage?
It is best to keep the door closed and manually locked to protect your belongings and keep your home secure from the elements.
Reliable Garage Door Access When You Need It Most
A power outage in Florida does not have to mean you are trapped. By knowing how to use the manual release cord you can keep your home accessible and secure. Regular maintenance ensures these manual parts work perfectly when you need them most.
Contact Door Master Clinic today at [Insert Phone Number] or visit our website to schedule your garage door service. We proudly serve Jacksonville, Orange Park, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and the surrounding areas.
