What to do if you are stuck in an elevator
An elevator, like other equipment, can fail at any time. Most often this occurs due to equipment failure, power outages and overload. If you find yourself in a stuck cabin, do not panic and follow our instructions.
1. Contact the dispatcher
Press the special button on the elevator’s digital panel (usually a bell or telephone handset is drawn on it). Wait for the dispatcher to respond and report the problem. He will record your request, clarify the address if necessary, and also tell you how long you will have to wait for the technicians to arrive.
If the call button does not work or the dispatcher does not respond, contact him or the service organization by phone. The number can usually be found on the digital panel or in a notice on the wall of the elevator.
In emergency situations, when none of the communication methods work, you can call someone close to you, the Unified Dispatch Service of your city, or rescuers using the short number 112.
2. Call for help
It happens that the button to call the dispatcher does not work, there is no mobile connection in the elevator, or you find yourself without a phone at all. In this case, try to shout as loudly as possible that you are stuck in order to attract the attention of one of your neighbors. As soon as someone responds, ask them to call a specialist.
3. Follow safety precautions
Do not try to get out of the elevator, as it can move at any moment, and such amateurish activity can lead to, at a minimum, injury. Do not rock the cab, open doors, jump, or make any sudden movements. And you shouldn’t press all the buttons in a row: believe me, this meaningless action will not make the elevator work.
There is one important exception to these rules. If you smell something burning or realize that there is a fire in the shaft, cabin or building, try to leave the elevator as quickly as possible if it has stopped on the floor. Try opening doors with keys, an umbrella or other objects, and actively call for help. If the elevator is stuck between floors and you cannot get out on your own, moisten a handkerchief, clothing or other cloth with some liquid and cover your nose and mouth with the wet material until help arrives.
4. Stay calm
Elevator shutdown is a common life situation. Remember that sooner or later a technician will arrive and free you from captivity. To make your wait as comfortable as possible, remove your outer clothing and place your hand luggage. If you are tired of standing, sit on the floor and stretch your legs.
If you or one of the passengers feels unwell, immediately notify the dispatcher or the person who responded to help and is on the other side of the cabin. If necessary, an ambulance will be called for you.
5. Wait for the specialists to arrive
In the Regulations on the procedure for organizing and operating elevators said, that you must be freed from the stuck cabin within 30 minutes from the moment the request is received by the control room. But this is in theory. Unfortunately, in practice, the waiting time for specialists can stretch up to several hours. Perhaps there was a massive power outage in the area, a simultaneous breakdown of a large number of elevators, serious traffic jams formed, or other circumstances arose that prevented the team from coming to you quickly.
Upon arrival, technicians will fix the problem and start the elevator. While driving, do not press the buttons and wait until the cab comes to a complete stop and the doors open. After this, leave the room.
What else you need to remember if you get stuck in an elevator
- Try to save battery power and do not use your phone until specialists arrive. You may need to contact us to report a deterioration in health or other emergency and clarify the waiting time.
- If you have water, don’t empty it all at once. Keep liquid on hand throughout your confinement so that you or other passengers can quench your thirst. Of course, another logical reason for saving money is the lack of a toilet in the elevator.