Have you ever wondered what would happen if you get stuck in an elevator? For some, this can be a nightmare but when it truly comes down to it, you are safe. Even though the elevator may get stuck, that doesn’t mean you are in danger. There are roughly 900,000 elevators in the United States and the odds of getting stuck in an elevator are 1 in every 100,000 elevator rides. What happens if you are the unfortunate one that ends up getting stuck? Here, Vanguard Elevator discusses what to do if you get stuck in an elevator.
Did You Get Stuck In An Elevator? Follow These Steps:
Don’t Panic
When you first get stuck in an elevator, your basic instincts are to panic. DON’T PANIC! We understand some people are claustrophobic but getting nervous will only make things worse. If your worry turns into a full-blown panic attack this can make things worse for yourself and the other people in the elevator. When the elevator comes to a stop and you realize you are stuck, take a deep breath and don’t freak out or panic.
Press the Emergency Call Button
One of the first things you should do is call for help using the emergency or alarm button located on the elevator’s button panel. Some elevators are even equipped with an emergency phone which is usually concealed behind a door under the button panel. Your call will signal building maintenance that there’s a problem with the elevator, and set in motion your rescue. If none of these options are available, check and see if you have service on your mobile device.
- If you do have reception, call emergency services. Explain that you are stuck in an elevator and ask for help. Tell them the address of the building and any information you may have regarding which floors you are stuff between.
- If you have a WiFi connection contact a family member or friend. Tell them that you are in an elevator that has stopped working and ask them to contact emergency services and explain your situation to the police or fire department.
Get Comfortable & Relax
It can be very scary when you’re stuck in an elevator and unsure when you will receive help, but above all else, try to stay calm. The best thing to do is get comfortable and relax. Refrain from using excess energy. Since you don’t know how long you will be stuck, take a seat and get to know the people in the elevator, if there are other passengers.
Try And Pass Time
If there are other people in the elevator, play a game to pass time. If you’ve got nothing else to do, it helps to take your mind off the fact that you’re stuck in an elevator. They always say “time flies when you’re having fun”. Strike up a conversation with other passengers and do something to pass the time. The longer that you take your mind off of the situation the quicker and faster it will feel like you are out of there.
Don’t Try To Exit On Your Own
- Don’t try to pry the doors open! – When you are stuck in the elevator, certain instincts will kick in that might make you want to pry the door open. If the elevator starts to move while the doors are open, people are likely to fall out of the car.
- Don’t try to exit! – Even if the doors are slightly open and there is room for you to exit the car, wait for emergency personnel. They will ensure the elevator is shut off properly before exiting. If you attempt to climb out of the car on your own, the elevator may start moving again while you are stuck in the doors, which can lead to serious injury or death.
Stay Calm – Elevators Are Safer Than You Think
While you wait for elevator personnel to arrive, it’s important to remember that you are still perfectly safe. Elevator companies go to great lengths to ensure that their passengers are always safe inside. Sure, you may be late for work or your next appointment. But lots of people get trapped inside elevators every year and it’s usually nothing more than a mild inconvenience. Sit back, relax and know that you will have a story to tell after getting stuck in an elevator.
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