POWER OUTAGE? - How do I release the door from the opener so that I can open the garage door by hand?

When the power goes out many people discover for the first time they don't know how to release their garage door from the opener so they can open the garage door by hand.

It's very simple - remember that red cord and handle you bump into often?? With the garage door fully closed, pull the red release cord down toward the floor. Always take special caution whenever you release the garage door opener if the door is not in the fully closed position, since the door may want to slam closed when released. If at all possible do not release the garage door when open, except for emergency or security purposes and close the door with caution. Some older openers may not have a red release cord and may need to be released by pulling down a handle or a spring loaded clip. If you do have an older door that is difficult to disconnect you may want to replace the opener with a new garage door opener that has an easy pull red release cord.

NOTE: remember that with the door disconnected from the opener the door is no longer locked.
If power is going to be out for a while - consider using your slide lock temporarily and DON"T FORGET to unlock before re-engaging your opener once power is restored.