When an elevator makes strange beeping noises or the door takes longer than normal to open, many people get nervous. Concern about being stuck in an elevator is a fairly common fear. Whether due to power outages or mechanical failure, no one wants to experience elevator entrapment.
Thankfully, a reliable elevator phone system can improve passenger safety and comfort in an emergency. But how often are they needed? In other words, what are the chances of getting stuck in an elevator? This post answers that question and covers what to do — and what not to do — in an elevator emergency.
The Frequency of Elevator Breakdowns
According to the National Elevator Industry, Inc., the United States has over 1 million elevators. Passengers make 20.6 billion trips on elevators annually.
ASME Elevator Code dictates strict safety standards for elevator design, installation, operation, and maintenance. Although issues sometimes happen, elevators are generally extremely safe and reliable.
Industry estimates suggest that only one of every 100,000 elevator rides gets stuck. Well-maintained residential and commercial elevators experience an average of only 0.5–2 breakdowns per year. Despite their heavier usage, industrial and service elevators experience only 2–4 annual breakdowns on average.
The next time you are nervously wondering, “What are the chances of getting stuck in an elevator?” perhaps remembering these statistics will help.
What To Do During an Elevator Breakdown
In the unlikely event of an elevator malfunction, the following suggestions can keep you safe and comfortable:
- Stay calm: While it’s easier said than done, try to stay calm during an elevator emergency. Panic only makes things worse, so try to distract yourself by listening to music or playing a game on your phone.
- Use the emergency features: Elevators have emergency buttons and/or phone systems to notify the operators of trouble. Some even have two-way video and text features to facilitate communication.
- Stay away from the doors: Staying close to the elevator doors puts you at risk if they open suddenly. It is safer to move to the other side of the elevator.
What Not To Do During an Elevator Breakdown
If you find yourself trapped in an elevator, knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do.
- Don’t try to exit: Staying in the cab protects you from dangers outside the elevator. It also enables you to communicate with emergency personnel.
- Don’t pry open doors: Tightly closed doors probably mean emergency safety mechanisms are working correctly. Trying to pry the doors open could damage the elevator and put you at risk.
- Don’t jump up and down: Sudden movements will not get the elevator moving again. But jumping up and down could injure you and other passengers.
Boost Elevator Safety Today With ELEVATE Monitoring
So what are the chances of getting stuck in an elevator? Pretty low, but the risk is there. Modern monitoring systems can help prevent common elevator malfunctions from happening, and modern communications systems help protect passengers when emergencies do occur.
For more information about implementing advanced elevator technology in your building, call ELEVATE Monitoring at 1-877-990-9191 or contact us online today!
