Getting stuck in an elevator has happened to some of us and many people fear this situation. Regular maintenance of elevators is one of the most important measures to prevent elevator malfunctions and incidents of getting stuck. However, there can be situations where these measures are not sufficient. In cases such as power outages, rescue systems that bring elevators to the nearest floor can help reduce the risk of getting stuck.
Why Do People Get Stuck in Elevators?
Elevator malfunctions are one of the main reasons for getting stuck in an elevator. The causes include:
- The elevator being very old and the components reaching the end of their lifespan.
- Overloading the elevator beyond its capacity or having too many people in the elevator.
- Failure to identify worn parts during elevator maintenance.
- Failure to replace identified worn parts due to economic reasons during maintenance.
- Power outages or work done by the electricity provider.
What to Do If You Get Stuck in an Elevator?
The first thing to do when you are stuck in an elevator is to stay calm. Attempting to escape on your own can lead to unwanted accidents. An elevator that is out of service due to a power outage may resume operation when power is restored, or a malfunctioning elevator may be restarted by someone outside. In this situation, forcing or kicking the elevator doors can cause mechanical parts to jam. If you are stuck due to a simple malfunction, the elevator service can rescue you quickly, but forcing the door could worsen the issue.
Panicking when you are stuck in an elevator is the worst thing you can do. Panic quickly depletes both your energy and the oxygen in the environment. You should remain calm first. The air inside the elevator and the elevator shaft will allow you to breathe comfortably for a long time. Modern elevators usually have two-way communication systems that allow you to call the registered elevator service number and request help using a button inside the elevator. In elevators without two-way communication, try using the alarm or call button inside the elevator to request help. If these buttons are not working, call your service provider to ensure they start service immediately. If your cell phone has a signal, inform your loved ones so they can ensure that the elevator
service reaches you.
