Quick answer
With the door fully closed and the springs intact, pull the red emergency release and lift the door by hand. Re-engage it once power returns. If the door is very heavy, stop — a spring may be broken; call emergency garage door repair.
Every Florida household should know how to do this before hurricane season.
Step by step
- Close the door if possible — releasing an open door can let it drop
- Pull the release cord down and back
- Lift using handles, not panel joints
- Prop or lock it open safely
- Close and lock with the manual lock if leaving
Re-engaging
Run the opener once power returns; the trolley reconnects automatically on most models.
When not to
Broken spring, loose cable or crooked door. See broken spring guide.
Better: battery backup
See battery backup in Florida.
Where Summit can help
Our technicians handle this every week across South and Southwest Florida. Local pages with scheduling and county details:
- garage door repair Boca Raton
- garage door repair Cape Coral
- garage door repair West Palm Beach
- garage door repair Coral Springs
- garage door repair Sarasota FL
- garage door repair Bradenton FL
Questions people also ask
Can I open it from outside?
Only with an exterior release kit.
Will the door stay up?
A balanced door will hold at most positions.
How do I lock it?
Use the slide lock or have one fitted.