People might harbor a fear of elevators (elevatophobia) for several reasons. Perhaps they had a negative experience with one in the past, or maybe they are uncomfortable with being in tight, enclosed spaces.
Whatever the case, elevators are a modern necessity. Helping patrons in your building overcome this fear can allow them to take the fullest advantage of your amenities.
For two-way elevator video monitoring, contact ELEVATE Monitoring today.
Explain the Safety of Modern Elevators
Many elevator fears are grounded in false beliefs about the dangers of these systems. In reality, modern elevators include countless safety features to prevent accidents and malfunctions. You can explain how your elevators include features like:
- Emergency brakes
- Two-way communication systems
- Door interlocking features
- Alarm buttons
- Backup power supplies
Suggest Exposure Therapy
While rationally explaining the safety of elevators may help some patrons, it likely won’t do much good for those with claustrophobia, anxiety triggers, panic attacks, or other deep-seated mental health conditions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) often suggests the use of exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing a person to their fear trigger.
For example, a person with elevatophobia might follow these steps at their own pace:
- Stand by an elevator with the doors open, but do not enter.
- Step into and out of the car without allowing the doors to close.
- Stand inside the elevator for a few minutes while someone holds the doors open.
- Enter the car with a trusted friend or therapist and travel up one floor, then take the stairs back down.
The person would slowly increase the amount of time they spend in the elevator with the doors closed until they feel comfortable using it as needed. They would then challenge themselves to take it instead of the stairs whenever they can.
Install the Most Reliable Safety Features
If you want to reduce the fear of elevators in your business, installing the most reliable safety features beyond those your system is already equipped with can help. This can show patrons that you care about their comfort and want to do everything in your power to prevent accidents or malfunctions.
For example, two-way video communication systems let patrons speak face-to-face with an operator during a malfunction. These operators are available 24/7 to help passengers any time they need it.
Provide Tips for Safe Elevator Usage
Many people fear elevators because the ride feels outside of their control. However, these safety tips can help a passenger feel more in control of their experience:
- Stand clear of the doors.
- Take your smartphone with you when you enter an elevator.
- Avoid using your hands to stop the doors from closing; instead, ask a passenger to press the “door open” button.
- Be mindful of the maximum weight capacity and avoid entering an overly crowded car.
ELEVATE Monitoring Can Help You Minimize Elevator Fears
At ELEVATE Monitoring, we provide reliable two-way video monitoring to help minimize the fear of elevators in your business. Contact us today at 877-990-9191 to learn more about our products, then discover what to do when you are stuck in an elevator.
