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Typically, when most people think of getting stuck in an elevator, the first thing that comes to mind is a scene from a scary movie. You’re trapped in a small, dark space with no idea how you’re going to get out.
However, the possibility of being stuck in an elevator is a real and potentially dangerous situation for many people. That’s why it’s important to know what to do if you ever find yourself in this predicament. Here are nine tips for getting through a stuck elevator.
Don’t Panic
The first and most crucial thing to do if you find yourself stuck in an elevator is to not panic. It can be easy to feel claustrophobic and enclosed in such a small space, but it’s important to keep calm.
If you start to feel panicked, take some deep breaths and try to focus on something else until help arrives.
Use the Emergency Phone
Most elevators have emergency phones located inside of them. If you’re stuck, the first thing you should do is call for help using this phone.
Emergency operators will be able to hear you and dispatch someone to come and assist you.
Wait for Help
Once you’ve called for help, the best thing to do is wait for someone to come and rescue you.
There isn’t much you can do on your own to get out of the Elevator, so it’s best to just wait until someone who knows what they’re doing arrives.
Don’t Use the Elevator Buttons
It may be tempting to start pushing all of the elevator buttons in hopes that one of them will work and get the elevator moving again, but this is actually a bad idea.
Pushing the buttons can cause further damage to the elevator and make it harder for rescue workers to fix the problem.
Stand Clear of the Doors
When help does arrive, Rescue workers will need to open the doors in order to get you out.
Make sure you and anyone else in the Elevator are standing clear of the doors so they can be opened easily.
Follow Rescue Workers’ Instructions
Once the rescue workers have arrived, they will take charge of the situation. Follow their instructions, and do not try to leave the elevator on your own.
They will know the best way to get you out safely and efficiently.
Be Prepared for a Long Wait
Depending on the severity of the problem, it may take some time for rescue workers to arrive. Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible and be prepared for a long wait.
Bring along a book or something else to help pass the time if you think you might be stuck for a while.
Check for Injuries
Once you’re finally out of the Elevator, take a moment to check yourself and anyone else who was in the Elevator for injuries.
If anyone is injured, seek medical attention immediately.
Report the Incident
Once you’re out and everyone is safe, be sure to report the incident to the building manager or whoever is in charge.
They will need to know what happened so they can prevent it from happening again in the future.
How To Avoid Getting Stuck In An Elevator
Although getting stuck in an elevator can be a very scary experience, there are some things you can do to help avoid it.
Here are a few tips:
Pay Attention to the Elevator
When you get on an elevator, take a quick look around and make sure everything looks normal. If anything looks out of place or is not working properly, don’t get on the elevator and wait for the next one.
Don’t Overload the Elevator
Elevators are designed to hold a certain amount of weight. If you try to overload it by cramming too many people or too much stuff inside, it could cause the elevator to become stuck.
So be aware of how many people and how much stuff you’re putting on the elevator.
Use the Stairs
If you’re worried about getting stuck in an elevator, one of the best things you can do is take the stairs instead. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Check for Maintenance Issues
Before using an elevator, especially if it’s been a while since it was last used, check to see if there are any maintenance issues that need to be addressed.
If something doesn’t look right, don’t use the elevator. Report the issue to the appropriate person and wait for it to be fixed before using the elevator.
Try to Handle the Situation Safely and Efficiently
While it’s important to be prepared for any emergency, staying calm and using your head are the best ways to get through a sticky situation.
Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in an elevator that gets stuck between floors, but if you do, remember these nine tips. And don’t forget to share them with your friends and family!