After an ice or wind storm, check the door before you run the opener. If the power is out, pull the red release handle and lift a balanced door by hand. Do not force a door that sticks, scrapes or hangs crooked, and never run a generator in the garage. Call a technician for dents, bends or broken parts.
What storms do to a garage door
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management says heavy snow, ice and high winds can damage power lines. For a garage door, a power cut means the opener stops working, and a falling branch or flying debris can dent a panel or bend a track. A door that is damaged or out of balance is also harder on the opener and the springs.
We write only what these sources support. They do not say that one Oregon city faces more risk than another, so the table below applies anywhere in the state.
What to check after a storm
| What you see | What it likely means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Opener does nothing, lights out | Power outage | Use the release handle; see the steps below |
| Door scrapes, jerks or hangs crooked | A bent section, track or roller | Stop using it and call a technician |
| Dented panel from a branch or debris | Possible bent section or hinge | Photograph it; check by hand; call for service |
| Door will not lift by hand | Spring, cable or lock issue, or something blocking it | Do not force it; call a technician |
| Opener works after power returns but door moves oddly | Door out of balance | Disconnect the opener and run the balance test |
Always look before you press the button.
Opening the door when the power is out
The Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) says that if an opener fails, you disengage it and operate the door by hand. The manual disconnect is a red handle on a cord hanging from the opener or rail, about six feet above the floor. Pulling it downward releases the opener so the door can be lifted. Find a good gripping point and lift the door fully open.
Make sure the door is closed
Release it with the door down, so it cannot fall.
Pull the red handle down
That frees the door from the opener.
Lift by the handles
Use the lift points on the door, never the section joints, where fingers can be crushed.
Stop if it feels heavy
A door that is hard to lift may have a broken spring. Do not keep trying.
Reconnect after power returns
Close the door first, then re-engage the opener as the manual describes.
Generators and battery backup
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management says never to run a generator indoors, in a garage or near windows or vents. Keep it outside and well away from the house.
DASMA says that where outages are common, an opener with a battery backup is a convenient way to open the door. The battery should be tested from time to time, and DASMA notes it needs replacing after 2 to 5 years depending on use. Most battery backup openers show a status light or sound when the battery is weak. See opener repair.
Keep the door in good balance
DASMA also warns that an operator should not be asked to make up for a poorly maintained door. An unbalanced door may not reverse when it should, and that can cause severe injury. Clopay recommends testing balance at least twice a year: disconnect the opener, lift the door halfway and let go. A balanced door stays where it is. If it does not, call us and do not adjust the spring yourself. See garage door repair.
Who to call
Emil Garage Doors repairs garage doors, springs, cables and openers and installs new doors in Oregon, including Corvallis, Salem and Springfield. Call or send your details with photos of the damage and we book the soonest visit.
Questions people ask
How do I open my garage door during a power outage?
Pull the red release handle down with the door closed, then lift the door by hand by its handles. DASMA describes this method. If the door is heavy, stop and call a technician.
Can ice damage a garage door?
Ice and high winds can damage power lines, and a power cut leaves the opener dead, so the door may seem stuck. Check the door by hand and look for bends before using the opener.
Is it safe to run a generator in my garage?
No. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management says never to run a generator indoors, in a garage or near windows or vents.
Do I need a battery backup for my garage door opener?
DASMA says a battery backup is a convenient way to open the door where outages are common. Test the battery and replace it when the indicator says so.
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Cities near you
We repair and install in these cities. Each page has local notes, prices and reviews.
Read next
Sources
- Oregon Office of Emergency Management: Prepare for winter storms, tips to stay safe during power outages
- DASMA Technical Data Sheet 385: Opening a motorized garage door to exit a home through the garage in a power outage
- Clopay: Canyon Ridge care and maintenance guide (cleaning, waxing, seals, balance test, warnings)