Elevator entrapment can be very stressful, as many people might panic due to claustrophobia or become anxious or irate due to the delay. In order to avoid potential injury, do not try to climb out of the elevator or force open the doors, remain calm and wait for help to arrive. Here are some guidelines for safety if you ever become stuck in an elevator.
What To Do If You Are Stuck In An Elevator
- Do Remain Calm - Being stuck in an elevator can be nerve-wracking. Depending on the number of people in the elevator, it will begin to get warm if everyone is breathing heavily in a state of panic, only increasing discomfort and nervousness. Do your best to remain calm and try to keep the others in the elevator calm.
- Do Ring the Alarm - Press the alarm button in the car and wait for someone to respond to you. Some buttons have an alarm bell image, while others have a phone image. Someone who is equipped to handle the situation will answer and give you further instructions.
- Do Use Other Means to Communicate if Possible -If you or anyone else in the elevator has a cell phone that is receiving a signal, alert emergency services of your situation.
- Do Move to the Rear of the Elevator - After you have contacted the elevator or alarm company, move toward the rear of the car and face forward. When the elevator company or emergency services attempts to open the door it is best to be toward the back of the car and out of their way.
- Focus on the Task at Hand - Being level-headed and focusing on the instructions given to you from emergency personnel will ensure you get out of the car safely
What Not To Do When Stuck In An Elevator
- Don’t Jump Up and Down - When the elevator is malfunctioning, some may think jumping up and down will give it a jumpstart to run again. This could affect the car’s stabilizer system and make it more difficult to be rescued.
- Don’t Attempt to Pry the Doors Open -When you are stuck in the elevator, certain instincts will kick in that might make you want to pry the door open. If the elevator starts to move while the doors are open, people are prone to falling out of the car, and face increased danger.
- Don’t Try to Exit - Even if the doors are slightly open and there is room for you to exit the car, wait for emergency personnel. They will ensure the elevator is shut off properly before helping you exit. If you attempt to climb out of the car on your own, the elevator may start moving again while you are stuck in the doors, which of courses is very dangerous.
- Don't Panic - Keeping yourself and the others in the car calm will help everyone get out of the car faster.
Relax - Elevators Are Safer Than You Think
Although a neglected elevator can still be very dangerous, Liberty Elevator Corporation is here to help reduce entrapments & ease your fears, as well as educate you on how dangers have been greatly reduced with standardized safety regulations & modern technology. To ensure the elevator is performing properly, your best course of action is to find a reliable elevator provider to inspect and maintain all of your vertical transportation equipment.
Ease your fears by reading this elevator Blog: Elevator Myths Debunked
Liberty Elevator Offers Freedom
To reduce the chances of an elevator entrapment, it is best to perform regular elevator maintenance and proactively address aged equipment. Liberty Elevator offers you the freedom to choose the best solutions for your property by performing installations, repairs and routine maintenance to get your elevator running at it's best. Proudly serving New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia & South Florida.