The thought of getting stuck in an elevator mid-ride can leave you panicking. While you don’t want to ever find yourself in this situation, knowing how to respond calmly can help you prepare for an easier and less stressful experience in case it ever happens. Below, our team from ELEVATE Monitoring, offering top-of-the-line emergency communication systems for elevators, explains how to stay calm in a stuck elevator.
Relax and Assess the Situation
The moment the elevator grinds to a halt without the doors opening, you may feel yourself begin to panic. In a crowded elevator, heavy breathing can quickly heat the tight space, escalating the already stressful situation.
Panic management is important in these first few moments. Practice calm breathing and remember that you’re going to be OK. Learning how to stay calm in a stuck elevator is all about understanding that elevators are designed with ample emergency equipment.
Ring the Alarm
Next, you’ll want to find the alarm button so you can notify emergency personnel. Elevators are equipped with emergency communication systems, allowing you to speak via phone and video with someone who will have the knowledge and resources to help. They may walk you through various safety procedures and let you know when professional assistance is on the way.
You may also look for the “Door Open” and “Door Close” buttons at this point, just to troubleshoot your problem. If the lights flicker on or off in the elevator, you should also be able to find a button for emergency lighting.
Use Your Mobile Device To Communicate
You may still have cell service in the elevator. If you do, you can use your phone to call 911 for faster help or simply to communicate with family and friends. Letting loved ones know about your situation can help you stay calm.
Stay Away From the Doors and Do Not Attempt To Pry Them Open
As you wait for help, it’s important to stay away from the doors as emergency service teams work on opening them. You should not attempt to pry elevator doors open yourself, as they bear extreme weight, and this can cause injury.
Wait Patiently and Take Your Mind Off the Situation
The amount of time it takes to resolve an elevator entrapment situation depends on factors like the nature of the malfunction and the building’s location. A minor issue related to power can quickly be resolved within seconds or minutes, while more complex mechanical failures could take a couple of hours.
In the meantime, we recommend doing something to take your mind off the situation. You can start friendly conversations with the other people in the cabin or play games on your phone.
Avoid Elevator Malfunctions in Your Building With ELEVATE Monitoring
Now that you know how to stay calm in a stuck elevator, learn about the low chances of getting stuck to put your mind at ease. At ELEVATE Monitoring, we make it seamless for building managers to respond quickly to emergencies with our two-way monitoring solution. Call us now at 877-990-9191 to learn more.
