How to Open a Garage Door Manually in an Emergency

Not every homeowner knows how to open a garage door in an emergency. Everyone knows the dangers of opening a garage door stuck due to a mechanical failure. The doors can jam, break down, and stall throughout the day, leading to further system failure down the line. A typical home may only have one person who understands how to fix garage doors in an emergency. Most people are caught off guard by this problem without a few stressful minutes of disaster prep beforehand. Good thing there is a simple workaround you can use to open the door manually.

Tips for Manually Opening a Garage Door

The last thing you want is waiting for your garage door to open during an emergency. Yet, do not worry. You can try a few simple things to get that door open and get on your way.

How to Manually Open a Garage Door From the Inside

Unlock the door: To manually open the door, locate any locks or latches close to the outside of the garage door. Then, ensure you unfasten its lock.

Unplug the door opener: Cut the power supply to the door opener.

Locate the emergency release cable: The emergency cord can be found hanging from the center rail of the garage door track. It has a red handle. The trolley, which joins the arm of your garage door to this middle track, is where this red cord is attached. Remember to only use the emergency release handle after you close the garage door.

Pull the cord: Pull the emergency release cord handle down. You should be able to manually move the garage door after disconnecting it from the trolley.

Lift the door: Raise the garage door by pulling straight up from the bottom until it stops moving. Then release the handle and back your car out of the garage.

Close the door: Once outside, check that the door is shut tight. Then, for extra security, lock the door by sliding the lock bar into place.

How to Manually Open It From the Outside

Find the emergency release kit: Look for a small lock near the top of your garage door. This lock stores an emergency release cable that you can use in an emergency. You will need the key that goes with it.

Unlock the emergency release cord: To find the emergency cord, look for a keyhole near the bottom of your door. Once you have found it, insert the key and turn it until the lock tumbler pops out.

Unlock the door: Another lock next to the handle needs a key to unlock it. Once both locks are open, turn the handle, so it is vertical.

Lift the door: To open the garage door, pull it straight up with your hands. Make sure it remains open before driving your car in.

Lock the door: To close the door, pull it down to a closed position when you are inside.

Reset Your Garage Door Opener After a Power Trouble

Your automatic garage door opener may not work even after power restoration. In this case, you must reset your garage door by reconnecting it to the opener. If this does not work, you will likely need to call a garage door repair technician for help.

Garage Door Service Near Me

Do you need fast and reliable garage door services in Omaha? Omaha Garage Door Repair has been the area’s go-to garage door expert for years. Our team provides garage door installation and repair services to Omaha residents, including Lincoln, NE, and Council Bluffs, IA. We have years of experience working on garage doors and know what it takes to provide clients with excellent products and the best maintenance service. So whatever issue you have with your garage door, you can trust us to do what is best for your home or business. Plus, we offer free estimates with no obligation. So call us today at (402) 819-5158 to learn more.