2023-12-28 8 min read Sunapee Garage Doors Team
Your garage door is often the largest moving part of your home and the primary entry point for many families. Understanding how to safely access your garage during emergencies.and how to secure it against intruders.is essential knowledge for every homeowner.
This guide covers everything you need to know about garage door emergency access and safety features.
Every automatic garage door opener includes an emergency release mechanism, typically a red cord with a handle hanging from the trolley that connects the door to the opener. Here's what you need to know:
How the Emergency Release Works Pulling the emergency release cord disconnects the door from the automatic opener, allowing you to manually lift and lower the door. This is essential when: - Power goes out, The opener malfunctions, You need to exit quickly in an emergency, Remote controls fail
Using the Emergency Release Safely 1. When the door is closed: Pull the cord straight down and toward the opener motor. You can then manually lift the door. 2. When the door is open: Be cautious.if springs are weak or broken, the door may slam down. Support the door before pulling the release. 3. Reconnecting: After power returns, simply operate the opener and it will automatically reconnect, or manually push the trolley toward the motor until it clicks.
Important Safety Warning Never use the emergency release when the door is binding or appears jammed. A door under spring tension can fall suddenly, causing serious injury.
Power outages are common in New Hampshire, especially during winter storms. Here's how to prepare:
Before the Outage - Practice using the emergency release at least twice a year, Ensure all family members know how to operate the door manually, Keep a flashlight near the garage door, Test that your door is properly balanced (it should stay in place when released halfway up)
During the Outage - Lock the door from inside when possible, Be aware that automatic safety sensors won't work, Have someone guide you while backing out if garage is dark, Manually secure the door when leaving
After Power Returns - Test the automatic opener before regular use, Verify safety sensors are functioning, Check for any error lights or unusual sounds
Unfortunately, the emergency release can be exploited by burglars using a simple technique called "6-second break-in." Here's how to protect yourself:
The Vulnerability Criminals can insert a wire through the top gap of a closed garage door, hook the emergency release cord, and pull it to disengage the opener. They then lift the door manually and gain entry.
Protection Measures 1. Emergency release shield: A plastic guard that covers the release handle, preventing access from outside while still allowing indoor use. 2. Zip-tie or secure the release: Some homeowners secure the release handle, though this prevents easy emergency use and isn't recommended. 3. Eliminate the gap: Better weatherstripping or a door seal at the top eliminates the space needed to insert a tool. 4. Smart locks: Install a slide lock or deadbolt that physically locks the door to the track. 5. Security systems: Motion sensors and cameras in the garage add layers of protection.
Modern garage doors come with several safety features. Ensure yours includes:
Auto-Reverse Mechanism Required since 1993, this feature reverses the door if it contacts an obstacle while closing. Test monthly by placing a 2x4 on the floor where the door meets the ground.the door should reverse immediately upon contact.
Photo-Eye Sensors These infrared sensors, mounted 6 inches from the floor on either side of the door, detect objects in the door's path. If the beam is broken while closing, the door should stop and reverse. Clean these sensors monthly and check alignment.
Manual Control Location The wall-mounted control panel should be at least 5 feet from the floor, out of reach of children.
Entrapment Protection Many modern openers include motion sensors that detect if something is caught under the door, stopping movement before injury occurs.
Garage doors pose significant risks to children. Teach your family these rules: - Never play under or near a moving garage door, Never race the door while it's closing, Never touch the springs, cables, or any moving parts, Always wait until the door stops completely before walking under it, Know that the door can still move if someone has the remote
Some emergency access issues require professional attention: - Springs that are broken or weak, Doors that don't balance properly, Emergency release that doesn't disengage properly, Safety sensors that don't work, Doors that don't reverse when obstructed
At Sunapee Garage Doors, we include safety system testing with every service call and can upgrade your door with the latest safety features.
Concerned about your garage door's safety features? Call us at (978) 961-5660 for a free safety inspection!