Your garage door is an essential part of your home, providing convenience and security. However, in the event of an emergency, you may need to open the garage door manually from the outside. This can be a daunting task if you are not familiar with how to do it. In this article, we will guide you through the process of releasing your garage door emergency release from outside.

1. What is an Emergency Release?

An emergency release is a mechanism installed on garage doors that allows them to be opened manually in case of power outages or other emergencies. The emergency release typically consists of a cord or handle that releases the garage door from the automatic opener.

2. Why Might You Need to Use the Emergency Release?

There are several situations where you may need to use the emergency release on your garage door. These include:

• Power outages: If there is a power outage, your garage door opener may not work, requiring you to use the emergency release to open the door manually.
• Malfunctioning opener: If your garage door opener malfunctions, the emergency release can be used to open the door until the opener is repaired.
• Locked out: If you accidentally lock yourself out of your home and the only way to enter is through the garage, the emergency release can be used to open the door manually.

3. How to Find Your Garage Door’s Emergency Release

The location of the emergency release on your garage door varies depending on the type of door you have. In most cases, the emergency release is located near the top of the door, close to the center. Look for a red handle or cord hanging down from the track or motor unit.

4. Precautions Before Using the Emergency Release

Before using the emergency release on your garage door, it’s important to take some precautions:

• Ensure that there are no people or objects in the path of the garage door when opening it manually.
• Make sure that the door is fully closed before attempting to reopen it manually.
• Lock all doors leading from the garage to the house to ensure security.

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Releasing Your Garage Door Emergency Release from Outside

Follow these steps to release your garage door emergency release from outside:

1. Locate the emergency release on your garage door. This is usually a red handle or cord hanging down from the track or motor unit.
2. Pull the handle or cord down and away from the door. This will disengage the door from the automatic opener.
3. Lift the door manually by pulling from the bottom edge, using both hands. Be careful not to strain yourself or damage the door.
4. Once the door is fully open, prop it open with a sturdy object, such as a broomstick or similar item.
5. When you are ready to close the door, remove the prop and slowly lower