Being trapped in garage is a stressful and sometimes frightening experience. Whether it’s caused by a malfunctioning opener, power outage, or damaged hardware, knowing what to do in such a situation is vital. Many homeowners panic when they realize their garage door won’t open from inside, but there are safe steps you can take to exit without injury. In this guide, you’ll learn how to open your garage door manually, when to call a professional, and what safety precautions to keep in mind.
1. Disconnect the Power if You Are Trapped in Garage
The first thing to do if you are locked in garage is to disconnect the power. This step prevents the opener from accidentally trying to operate the door while you’re attempting to free yourself.
- Unplug the opener: If you can access the outlet, remove the power source.
- Avoid accidental movement: Cutting the power ensures the door doesn’t suddenly open or close on its own.
- Stay calm: Panic can lead to mistakes, so breathe deeply and focus on following the steps.
By disconnecting power, you reduce the risk of accidents while preparing to use the emergency release.
2. Locate the Emergency Release Cord
Nearly every modern garage door system includes an emergency release cord, often red, hanging from the opener unit. This is the most important tool when you feel like you can’t get out of garage because of a malfunctioning opener.
- Find the cord: It’s usually near the motor and hangs just below the opener rail.
- Know its purpose: Pulling the cord disconnects the door from the opener, allowing manual control.
- Check accessibility: Make sure boxes or clutter aren’t blocking your reach to the cord.
Understanding where the emergency release cord is located can save you valuable time during emergencies.
3. Pull the Cord and Open the Garage Door Manually
Once you’ve found the cord, pull it firmly. This action disengages the opener from the door, giving you the chance to lift it yourself. Many homeowners wonder how to open garage door manually—this is the key step.
- Use the handles: Most doors have built-in handles to make lifting easier.
- Lift slowly: A garage door is heavy; move cautiously to avoid strain or injury.
- Don’t force it: If the door won’t budge or feels stuck, stop immediately.
A smooth lift indicates the problem lies with the opener. If the door resists, the issue may be with springs or cables.
4. Don’t Force the Door if It Won’t Open
If you’ve pulled the release cord but the garage door won’t open from inside, forcing it is never a good idea. A jammed or heavy door could indicate a broken spring or damaged track. Forcing the door could worsen the damage or cause injury.
- Signs of broken parts: Look for snapped cables, gaps in the springs, or bent tracks.
- Stop if difficult: If the door feels too heavy, don’t continue.
- Prioritize safety: Your goal is to exit safely, not risk injury.
At this stage, it’s often best to contact a garage door repair service for professional help.
5. Call a Professional if You Remain Trapped in Garage
If none of the above steps work, or if you’re still trapped in garage despite your efforts, it’s time to call in the experts.
- Professionals have the tools: They can handle springs, cables, and opener issues safely.
- Prevent further damage: Trained technicians know how to fix the problem without causing additional harm.
- 24/7 services: Many garage door companies provide emergency assistance for urgent situations.
👉 You can read more about related issues in our guide on garage door opener problems and fixes.
Important Safety Tips to Remember
Whenever you’re trapped in garage, your safety should be the priority:
- Be cautious: Garage doors are heavy; always handle them with care.
- Avoid forcing the door: If it resists, stop.
- Inspect for visible damage: Look at springs, cables, and tracks for obvious issues.
- Don’t attempt complex repairs yourself: Unless you’re experienced, leave it to a professional.
By following these precautions, you’ll minimize risks while waiting for help.
Final Thoughts on Being Trapped in Garage
Finding yourself trapped in garage can be unsettling, but by staying calm and following the correct steps, you can exit safely. Disconnecting the power, using the emergency release cord, and trying to open the garage door manually are all effective solutions in many cases. However, if the garage door won’t open from inside or you notice broken springs and cables, it’s essential to stop and call a professional.
Regular maintenance and inspections can also prevent these issues from happening in the future. For trusted service, contact Just Garage Door at 281-213-5685, or check our Just Garage Door profile on BlogSpot to see customer reviews.
