Being trapped in an elevator is a common worry, but today’s elevators are built with extensive safety features and are generally very secure. Even so, the situation can feel stressful, and what you do next matters.
In most cases, your safety depends less on “fixing” the elevator yourself and more on avoiding risky choices that can turn an inconvenience into an emergency. This guide focuses on the key actions you should not take, explains why they’re dangerous, and then outlines the correct steps to follow so trained professionals can assist you safely.Never Try to Pry the Doors Open
One of the most frequent—and hazardous—mistakes is trying to force the doors open, often inspired by movies. The elevator car may not be level with the floor, which can create a dangerous gap.
Even if you open the inner doors, the outer hoistway doors still block the shaft. Attempting to squeeze through an opening could cause serious injury if the elevator moves unexpectedly. A fall into the shaft can be fatal. Elevator safety systems are designed to keep you protected inside the car, which is typically the safest place until help arrives.
What to do instead: Don’t touch the doors. Focus on communicating with building staff or emergency services rather than attempting a self-rescue.
Never Attempt to Escape Through the Ceiling Hatch
The ceiling hatch is another film-style escape route that is not safe for passengers. In most modern commercial and residential elevators, the hatch is bolted from the outside and intended for trained maintenance and rescue personnel with the right tools.
Climbing toward or through the hatch can expose you to major hazards, including:
- Grease and oil: Many components are lubricated, making surfaces slippery and unsafe to climb.
- Moving parts: Cables, counterweights, and machinery in the shaft can move without warning.
- High voltage: Electrical wiring and equipment may be located on top of the car.
Waiting inside the cabin is far safer than attempting to exit through the roof.
Never Repeatedly Jump or Push Against the Walls
Some people believe jumping might “shake” the elevator back into motion. This is a myth and can make the situation worse. Elevators rely on a carefully balanced system of cables and counterweights. Jumping may disturb that balance and could trigger emergency brakes in ways that complicate rescue efforts.
Best case, it does nothing. Worst case, it destabilizes the car or damages sensitive components. Stay still and avoid unnecessary movement.
Never Panic and Waste Energy
Feeling anxious is normal, but panic can lead to hyperventilation, poor judgment, and needless physical strain. Modern elevators are required to have adequate ventilation, so you are not going to run out of air.
Conserve energy and keep yourself calm. Sit if needed. If you’re with others, help each other stay focused and steady—clear thinking is the most helpful tool you have.
The Correct Steps to Take When Stuck
Now that you know what to avoid, here’s the straightforward procedure to follow.
1. Stay Calm and Take a Deep Breath
Control your breathing and remind yourself that the elevator car is designed to be safe and help will be coming. Panic won’t improve the situation.
2. Press the ‘Door Open’ Button
Sometimes the issue is simple—like a briefly blocked door sensor or an unregistered button press. Press firmly. If nothing happens after a few seconds, continue to the next step.
3. Press the Alarm Button
Use the alarm button (often marked with a bell). Press and hold it for a few seconds. This usually triggers a loud alarm to alert people in the building and notify management or the elevator service provider.
4. Use the Emergency Phone or Intercom
Find the phone/intercom button (telephone symbol). This connects you to a monitoring service, security, or an emergency operator. Calmly share:
- that you’re stuck in an elevator
- the building address (if you know it)
- which elevator you’re in (if there’s more than one)
- how many people are with you Then follow their instructions while they send a technician or emergency responders.
5. Wait Patiently
Once you’ve made contact, let professionals handle it. Get comfortable. If the lights are out, use your phone’s flashlight sparingly to save battery. If others are with you, talk to pass time and keep everyone calm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you run out of air in a stuck elevator?
No. Elevators are not airtight and must have ventilation that allows fresh air circulation under strict safety codes. Suffocation is not a risk.
2. How long does it take to get rescued?
It depends on location, time of day, and technician availability. In many urban areas, help often arrives within 30 to 60 minutes.
3. What are the main reasons elevators get stuck?
The most common cause is a building power outage. Other reasons include a minor mechanical problem, a door mechanism issue, or a safety feature stopping the elevator after detecting a potential problem. In most cases, the elevator stops as a precaution.