Overhead Door Company of Oklahoma CityServing:   Oklahoma City, OK    Edmond, OK    Norman, OK    Yukon, OK     Midwest City, OK

Blog

garage doors front of home overhead door logo

Garage Doors and Power Outages: FAQs

It’s wonderful to be able to come inside during a thunderstorm, and of course, it’s equally wonderful to drive your car into a garage at the push of a button. But what happens when a storm causes the power to go out? Is it possible to get your car out of or into the garage when the automatic garage door opener isn’t working?

During a power outage, you can manually open your garage door using a release lever.

This is a question that naturally concerns many homeowners. If you’re new to automatic garage door openers, here’s what you need to know to ensure that you can get your car out of the garage even when there’s no power.

Is your car stuck in the garage during a power outage?

No, your garage door has a lever that enables you to disengage the door from the opener. With the lever pulled, you should be able to open your garage door manually.

What’s the procedure for getting your car out of the garage during a power outage?

If possible, start with your garage door in the closed position. Releasing the garage door while it is in the open position could potentially cause the garage door to close suddenly and quickly. Look for the red release cord that connects your garage door to the trolley. Usually, the cord is found in the center of the automatic garage door opener system, hanging from the trolley. Pull on the cord to release the garage door from the opener.

Contact a professional for garage door opener repairs if needed.

Once you’ve pulled on the release cord, you should be able to open the garage door on your own. Your garage door may be heavy, but it’s attached to a spring that lightens the load and enables you to lift the door without being super-human. If you must pull the release cord while the garage door is in an open or half-open position, clear the garage door opening to ensure that if it does close quickly, no one will be hurt.

What should you do if your garage is getting power, but the garage door opener won’t work anyway?

If your garage door opener stops working, the release cord should enable you to open and close the door just as it would in a power outage. Contact a garage door repair professional to fix your door.

A dysfunctional garage door after a power outage is a common problem. For more information about how to maintain and use your garage door opener, contact Overhead Door. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.


FAQs

Is your car stuck in the garage during a power outage?

No, you can manually open the garage door using a lever to disengage it from the opener.

What’s the procedure for getting your car out of the garage during a power outage?

Locate the red release cord on the automatic garage door opener, usually in the center, and pull it to release the door from the opener. Open the door carefully.

What should you do if your garage is getting power, but the garage door opener won’t work?

If the opener isn’t working, use the release cord to manually operate the door and contact a garage door repair professional for assistance.

How can you prevent accidents when using the release cord?

Ensure the garage door is in the closed position before releasing it to avoid sudden closures. Clear the door opening to prevent injuries if it closes quickly.

overhead door logo
Kristen Mangum
Kristen Mangum
2022-12-21
Friendly customer service. Bought a hard to find remote for an old garage door opener. Opener has 3 buttons so I can program both doors to it. Easy to find location right off 29th St.
Robert Ballinger
Robert Ballinger
2022-12-12
Great people
Betsy Chronister
Betsy Chronister
2022-09-13
I was given a very fair quote. A week later a tech came and installed. Then came back to install lock. Tech was very professional and polite. Spen time with me making adjustments to my liking. I totally recommend Overhead door to my fellow Okies.
Hendrix Morrow
Hendrix Morrow
2022-06-29
Overhead Door did a great job. They got me on the schedule the next day and fixed my spring in 30 minutes or less. Joe was great, professional, and courteous. Awesome service, and he didn't tell me I needed extra materials like the previous garage door people that quoted me $575. Overhead Door told me a price over the phone and it didn't change. I'd recommend them every time.
Sandy Molleda Molleda
Sandy Molleda Molleda
2022-03-22
A very good place for a new garage door and a new remote.
John Ehrhardt
John Ehrhardt
2022-01-28
Pleased with their services. Coil spring broke and door stopped working. Spoke to Ron, and less than 24 hrs later the technician had us up n running again. These guys did exactly what they promised to do, with no nonsense. I like that.

Ready to Find Your Next Garage Door?

Whether you need help selecting the right garage door for your home or business, or you need to schedule a service appointment — we're here to help.