Fall and winter storms around Greater St. Louis, St. Charles County, and the Metro East can knock the power out at the worst possible time. If your car is in the garage and the opener is dead, you are not stuck. Here is how to open your garage door safely during a power outage.
Can I open my garage door when the power is out?
Yes. Every modern opener has an emergency release, usually a red cord with a handle hanging from the opener rail, that disconnects the door so you can lift it by hand.
Once it is released, the door is no longer attached to the opener. A healthy, balanced door should lift with modest effort and stay put when it is about halfway up.
How do I use the emergency release cord?
Close the door first, then pull the red handle straight down and slightly back toward the opener. You should feel the trolley let go, and then you can raise the door by hand from the bottom.
- Make sure the door is fully closed before you pull the cord whenever possible.
- Lift from the bottom section using the handle or a lift point. Never put your fingers between the sections.
- Lift slowly and evenly and keep a hand on the door until it is fully open or fully closed.
- Lock it if you leave it disconnected. With the opener released, the door can be pushed up from outside. Use the manual slide lock on the door if you have one.
Is it ever dangerous to pull the emergency release?
Yes. If the door is open or partly open when you pull the cord, it can come down fast, especially if a spring is weak or broken.
If the door feels very heavy, will not stay up, looks crooked, or you see a gap in a torsion spring or a loose cable, stop. Do not try to force it open, and do not touch the springs, cables, or bottom brackets. Those parts are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Call a professional. That is exactly what our 24/7 emergency service is for. For more on keeping your family safe around the door, see our post on garage door safety.
How do I reconnect the opener when the power comes back on?
On most LiftMaster openers, you simply press the remote or wall button once the power is back, and the trolley will catch and lock back onto the door as it travels.
Some models ask you to pull the release handle toward the opener first to reset it. Your owner's manual will show the right method for your unit. If the opener runs but the door does not move, or it reconnects with a loud clunk and then reverses, give us a call so we can take a look.
Do garage door openers have battery backup?
Many do. All three LiftMaster residential openers we currently install, the 6690L, the 6580L, and the 98022 wall mount, come with battery backup, so you can keep using your remote, keypad, and wall control during an outage.
A backup battery is meant to get you in and out a limited number of times, not run the door for days. If your opener starts chirping or beeping, that is often the signal that the battery needs attention. You can compare models on our residential garage door openers page.
Can a storm damage my garage door opener?
It can. Power surges from lightning or when power is restored can damage the circuit board in a smart opener, and that kind of electrical damage is often not covered by the opener warranty.
A surge protector helps protect your investment. Learn more on our surge protectors page.
How can I get my garage door ready before the next outage?
The best time to learn your emergency release is on a calm, sunny afternoon, not in the dark during an ice storm.
- Find the red release handle and make sure everyone who drives knows where it is.
- Make sure the handle is within easy reach, no higher than about six feet off the floor.
- Keep a flashlight near the door to the garage.
- Listen for a chirping opener, which can mean a weak backup battery.
- If the door is hard to lift by hand, have the balance checked before winter.
Our Worry-Free Maintenance visit covers your springs, cables, rollers, opener, and safety features, so your door is ready when the weather turns.
Quick answers
Will my garage door open with no power?
Yes. Pull the red emergency release with the door closed and lift it by hand.
Why is my garage door so heavy to lift by hand?
It usually means a spring is weak or broken. Do not force it. Call a professional.
Do I have to reset my opener after a power outage?
Usually not. Run the opener and it will reconnect to the door. Check your manual if it does not.
If you have questions or need help after a storm, The Wright Door Co. is here for you. Call 314-484-3667, in Missouri 636-293-3007, or in Illinois 618-698-8058.