Elevator Safety During Power Outages

Never use an elevator during a power outage, and never use an elevator if a rolling outage could occur. These are the most important safety rules to prevent being trapped in an elevator.

Other vital prevention steps include proper maintenance of all elevator emergency power sources, alarms, lights and telephone systems, as well as posting signs at each elevator entrance if outages are likely.

If you are stuck in an elevator during an outage:

• Stay calm and don’t panic.
• Wait for emergency personnel to rescue you. Don’t try to open the doors between floors or climb onto the roof of the elevator.
• Many elevators are equipped with emergency back-up power to bring elevators to the first floor during a power outage.
• Most elevators have telephones to alert building security, maintenance or the elevator company.