What to Do and Not to Do If Stuck in an Elevator

10 Must-Do Things If You Get Stuck in an Elevator: Do’s

Remaining calm during unexpected incidents, such as getting stuck in an elevator, significantly enhances decision-making and safety outcomes. Maintaining composure allows for clearer thinking and more effective actions.

Here are 10 essential steps to ensure your safety and facilitate a swift rescue:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First things first, take a deep breath. Staying calm is the most important thing you can do if you’re stuck in an elevator. Panicking just ramps up anxiety and clouds your judgment. Instead, give yourself a moment to assess what’s going on.
Notice if the elevator is between floors or if you can still feel it moving slightly. This can help you explain your situation better if you need to call for help. You’ll be in a better position to follow any instructions given by building personnel or emergency responders.

2. Use the Elevator’s Emergency System

Most elevators come equipped with a built-in emergency system, so make it your next step. Look for the alarm button and press it for a few seconds to signal that you’re in need of help.
Many modern elevators also have an intercom or phone that connects you directly with building security or maintenance. Speak clearly when explaining your location, mentioning any nearby floor numbers or other landmarks you noticed before the elevator stopped.

3. Use Your Mobile Phone if Possible

If the elevator’s emergency system isn’t working or you just want extra backup, try your mobile phone. While not all elevators get signals, it’s worth checking—especially if you’re in a larger building where signals are more likely to reach. If you can, call building security or emergency services and explain your situation. A quick text to a friend or family member is also helpful, as they can alert someone nearby. If you don’t have a signal, save your battery by switching your phone to airplane mode and checking every so often for a connection.

4. Position Yourself Safely While Waiting

Once you’ve called for help, get yourself situated safely in the elevator. Stand or sit near the back wall, away from the doors, so that when rescuers arrive, they’ll have easy access to open the doors without obstructions.
If there are others in the elevator, encourage everyone to give each other a little space and keep movement to a minimum. If it’s a long wait, sitting down is fine—just stay calm and avoid leaning against the doors or pressing against control panels.

5. Follow Instructions from Rescue Personnel

When rescuers reach you, it’s key to listen closely to their directions. They’re trained to handle these situations and will guide you step-by-step to get you out safely.
Sometimes, they may need you to move to a specific spot in the elevator or even stay completely still, depending on the rescue approach. Trust their guidance, follow each instruction, and don’t attempt anything on your own.

6. Monitor the Environment

While you wait, pay attention to the environment inside the elevator. If it’s feeling warmer, start removing any extra layers to keep cool.
Keep an eye on how much air is circulating; most elevators are ventilated, but it’s still a good idea to stay calm and quiet, so the air stays fresh. If you’re with others, encourage them to stay relaxed and avoid loud conversations or unnecessary movement.

7. Stay Aware of Time

It’s easy to feel like time’s stretching on forever when you’re stuck, but keeping tabs on it can help you stay level-headed. Note the time when the elevator first stops—this can help you stay grounded and might even come in handy if rescue teams ask how long you’ve been there.
You don’t need to watch the clock constantly, but checking in every so often keeps you from feeling like you’re trapped indefinitely.

8. Reassure Others in the Elevator

If you’re with other folks, remember that everyone’s probably a bit on edge. A few calm words can do wonders to keep everyone chill. Remind each other that help’s on the way and there’s no reason to panic. Light conversation or even a shared laugh can take the edge off for everyone.

9. Conserve Energy

Elevator rescues can take a while, so it’s smart to pace yourself. Keeping movements to a minimum helps keep the space cool, especially if it’s a bit crowded.

Sit down if there’s room and take it easy—no need to burn energy when you’re stuck. Avoid using your phone for non-essentials, as you’ll want some battery left in case you need it.

10. Plan for a Potentially Extended Wait

While you’re hoping for a quick rescue, it never hurts to plan for a longer stay. If anyone has specific needs, like medication or health concerns, bring it up so everyone’s in the loop. If you’re with others, maybe divvy up resources, like phone battery or water if you have some.

7 Things to Avoid at All Costs If You Get Stuck in an Elevator: Don’ts

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), strict adherence to safety protocols can reduce workplace accidents by up to 60%.
Knowing what not to do if you’re stuck in an elevator can help you avoid unnecessary risks and keep everyone safe. Here are seven crucial actions to steer clear of if you’re ever stuck in an elevator:

1. Don’t Attempt to Exit on Your Own

The safest choice is to stay inside if you are stuck. Attempting to force the doors open or trying to exit on your own can be really dangerous! Elevators can start moving suddenly.
Trained professionals know how to handle these situations as they have real-world experience. They will guide you out safely when they arrive. Waiting for help will mitigate unnecessary risks and keep you secure until rescue teams are ready to assist.

2. Don’t Jump or Move Erratically

Sudden movements throw off the elevator’s balance. We don’t want that to happen! It might lead to swaying or jolting. While it’s completely natural to feel restless, staying calm and steady will make the environment safer.
You should try to remain as still as possible to help everyone. A quiet, relaxed approach creates a more comfortable atmosphere for the wait.

3. Don’t Overuse Your Mobile Phone

Saving your phone battery for essential use is smart in this situation. Your phone is valuable, and battery life could become crucial if the wait takes longer!
Check for a signal, make any necessary calls or texts, and then switch to airplane mode to conserve power. A charged phone gives peace of mind and helps you stay connected for updates or emergency calls.

4. Don’t Try to Force or Reset the Elevator Buttons

The best approach is to leave the controls alone. Pressing buttons repeatedly or trying different combinations won’t bring help any faster.
It could interfere with the system. Elevators notify building personnel automatically. Further pressing only adds confusion.

5. Don’t Shout Excessively

Constant shouting or knocking drains your energy and increases stress. Help is likely already on its way. Screaming has no benefit and makes your physical condition worse. Brief knocks or a quick call-out work best if you hear people nearby.

6. Don’t Crowd the Control Panel Area

There’s not much a commoner can do from the panel if the elevator is stuck. Rescuers need direct access, and any accidental button pressing could create delays. An open path to the panel makes it easier for emergency personnel when they arrive.

7. Don’t Ignore Health Needs

If you’re dealing with any health stuff—like feeling anxious or short of breath—let the others know right off the bat. Giving a heads-up makes it easier for everyone to stay cool and keep things manageable. Watching out for each other helps keep the atmosphere calm, which goes a long way until help shows up.

Preventive Measures: Essential Do’s for Elevator Safety

Elevator safety is all about a few simple habits that can really save you from trouble down the line. First off, make sure you know the emergency features in your building’s elevators. It only takes a minute to learn where the alarm button, intercom, or emergency phone is, and it’s a quick step that can be a lifesaver in a pinch.
Another biggie is respecting the weight limit. Elevators are built with specific limits for a reason—overloading can lead to breakdowns or even get you stuck, which nobody wants. Also, if you hear strange noises or feel jerky movements while riding, don’t just shrug it off.
Report anything unusual to building management; they’d rather get a heads-up than deal with a stalled elevator. And finally, patience goes a long way. Rushing in, crowding at the doors, or trying to hold them open can damage the system and create delays for everyone.
These small, mindful actions make your rides safer and keep the whole operation running smoothly.

Final Thoughts and Staying Safe with Dazen!

Getting stuck in an elevator is never fun, but knowing how to handle it can make all the difference. Staying calm, following basic safety steps, and avoiding risky moves helps keep you safe while waiting for a quick rescue.

En Ascensor Dazen, we’re all about making every ride as safe and smooth as possible. Our elevators come equipped with reliable emergency systems and smart tech that senses issues before they even happen, so building operators can rest easy knowing they’re offering secure, worry-free rides.
For anyone managing a building, it’s all about peace of mind, and Dazen is here to deliver just that. Want to make sure your tenants or visitors feel safe every time they step in? Let’s chat about how Dazen can bring top-tier safety to your building!