Power outages can strike without warning, rendering many of our modern conveniences useless. Among these, electric garage door openers can leave homeowners feeling trapped or cut off from their vehicles and essential tools. However, you don’t need to panic!
How can garages be accessed without power?
You may have lost power, but that’s no reason to feel powerless. There are ways to manually access your garage even when the power is out. Here’s a step-by-step guide from our garage door experts to ensuring you’re never stuck.
Stay Calm and Prepared
The first step in any emergency is not to panic. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your garage door’s manual functions before an actual power outage occurs. Read the owner’s manual and understand the following steps.
Disengage the Garage Door Opener
Most garage door openers have a manual release mechanism, usually a red cord hanging down from the garage door track. Pulling this cord disengages the opener, allowing you to manually move the door.
Lift the Door
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and grip the door handle or bottom edge. Lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid strain or injury. Garage doors can be heavy, so if you’re struggling, seek assistance.
Secure the Door
If you’re exiting the garage and need to ensure the door stays open, use a clamp or lock the door in place. If your garage door has a manual lock, engage it when the door is down to secure your belongings during the power outage.
Re-engage the Opener
Once the power returns, you’ll need to re-engage your garage door opener. This typically involves pulling the release cord towards the opener or the back of the garage, but consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Battery Backup
Many modern garage door openers come with battery backup systems. This feature allows the opener to function normally during power outages. If frequent power outages are a concern, consider investing in an opener with this feature.
Alternative Access
If you anticipate power issues or simply want a backup plan, think about installing a side access door to your garage, allowing for an alternative entrance and exit.
Maintenance and Checks
Periodically test the manual release mechanism to ensure it’s working correctly. Furthermore, keep the garage door well-maintained; a well-balanced door will be easier to lift manually.
Stay Informed
If you live in an area prone to power outages, keep a battery-powered radio or a reliable mobile app to stay updated on the situation. It will give you a rough idea of when the power might be restored.
Emergency Kits
Keep an emergency kit in an accessible area of your garage. This kit should include necessities like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and any tools you might need to manually open your garage door.
Garage Door Services in Fort Lauderdale
In conclusion, while electric garage doors provide convenience, it’s essential to be prepared for times when they won’t function due to power outages. By understanding manual operations and having an emergency plan in place, you can ensure you always have access to your garage, no matter the situation.
Eden Garage Doors is a professional garage door company in Florida. Call our customer support representatives at 954 526 9810 if you require garage door services in Fort Lauderdale.