A guide for Garland homeowners
Opening a garage door by hand
With the power out, the red release cord lets you lift the door by hand. Use it only when the door is fully closed and looks undamaged.
The steps
Check the door is fully closed
If the door is up or halfway, don't pull the cord. Leave it.
Look for damage
A hanging cable, a bent track or a crooked panel means the door shouldn't be moved by hand.
Pull the cord
A short, steady pull down is usually enough. The door is now disconnected from the opener.
Lift with both hands
Use the handle or the bottom edge and raise it slowly. A balanced door rises easily and stays where you stop it.
Stop if it's heavy
A door that fights you has probably lost spring tension. Lower it gently and call a contractor.
Closing up and reconnecting
Once the door is off the opener, the opener no longer holds it shut. If you're leaving it closed that way, use the door's slide lock if it has one, and unlock it before running the opener again.
When the power returns, close the door by hand first. Then follow your manual to reconnect the opener, which on many models means pulling the cord toward the motor or running the opener once. Don't run it half connected.
If the door is open when the power goes out
Leave it open and park outside if you can. Don't pull the cord on an open door, because a failed spring or worn cable can let it drop.
Door stuck, or opener dead?
Call this number and tell the independent contractor you reach what the door is doing.