During a fire emergency, you may be tempted to use the elevator to reach the ground floor faster and exit the building. But according to elevator fire safety protocols, this may not be wise. Understanding how to proceed during a fire hazard can help you keep yourself and others safe.
The elevator monitoring service your business chooses also makes a significant difference in how smoothly you and your building’s occupants can navigate a fire hazard.
Instances When You Should Avoid Elevator Use During a Fire Emergency
The signs you see on elevators that read “In case of fire, use stairs” are there for a reason: It’s usually best to avoid using an elevator during a fire hazard for your safety. Specifically, do your best to locate the stairs and exit the building in any of the following instances:
- There is fire or smoke on your floor of the building, especially near the elevator shaft.
- The elevator seems not to be working properly, such as if you see flashing lights, hear strange sounds, or have trouble recalling the elevator to your floor
- The fire alarm in the building is sounding, even if you don’t see fire or smell smoke.
You should see building evacuation procedures posted near the elevator and stairwells. These will help you determine the fastest and safest way to exit the building after a fire alarm activation or other signs of fire.
Why Is It Unsafe To Use an Elevator During a Fire Hazard?
You should generally avoid using an elevator during a fire for these reasons:
- Smoke can fill up the elevator shaft, limiting the oxygen in the elevator and making it challenging to breathe.
- The elevator may malfunction if it becomes damaged from the fire, putting you at risk of becoming trapped.
- The smoke or heat from the fire might lead the elevator’s automated system to crash, potentially sending you to the floor where the fire is located.
- Firefighter emergency operations often depend on using elevators to reach upper floors quickly; if you are using the elevator, this could delay emergency services.
What To Do if You Are Stuck in an Elevator During a Fire
Elevators are designed with emergency control features that prevent occupants from becoming stuck in the elevator car during a fire hazard or other elevator emergencies. When the elevator detects fire, it will enter Phase I emergency recall.
The elevator recall system will signal the elevator to proceed directly to the level with the best access to the building’s exterior. Once it reaches that level, the doors will open and remain open until someone signals that the emergency has cleared.
If you are stuck in an elevator during a fire hazard and it does not appear to be following this protocol, use the emergency call button to speak with an operator, or use your cell phone to call 911.
ELEVATE Monitoring Enhances Elevator Safety
Emergency communication systems help keep occupants safe during elevator fire safety hazards. ELEVATE Monitoring helps occupants use an elevator safely during emergencies with two-way communication features. Learn more today by calling 877-990-9191.
