Stuck in an elevator: what to do and what never to do

The elevator stops suddenly between floors, the light flickers, the doors won’t open. Anyone would be scared. The good news is that a stuck elevator is almost always just unpleasant, not dangerous, if you know what to do and, above all, what not to do.

What to do

1. Stay calm. The car is held by brakes and has enough air.
2. Press the alarm button (usually marked with a bell) and hold it for a few seconds. Many elevators have an intercom linked to the maintenance company.
3. Call the number posted in the car or the emergency number if no one answers or if someone in the car has a health problem.
4. Say where you are: address, building, approximate floor.
5. Try the door open button and a floor button. Sometimes the elevator restarts.
6. Make yourself heard if you have no signal: knock on the door, call out at intervals.
7. Wait for help. Sit down if it’s a long wait.

What never to do

• Don’t force the doors. Even if you open them, the car may be between floors, and the gap between car and shaft is very dangerous.
• Don’t climb out through the roof hatch. The shaft has moving parts, cables and no protection.
• Don’t jump or rock the car.
• Don’t climb out if the car stopped partway between floors, even if the doors open. Wait for the technician or firefighters.

If you’re with children or someone frightened

• Talk calmly and explain what’s happening: “We’ve called, someone is coming to help.”
• For a panic attack: slow breathing, in for 4 seconds, out for 6. See stress and anxiety in a crisis.
• Use your phone’s light if the car goes dark, but save battery.

Earthquakes and fires

• Don’t use elevators in an earthquake or fire. Use the stairs.
• If you’re in an elevator during an earthquake: press all floor buttons and get out at the first floor where it stops. If it gets stuck, call for help and wait. See what to do in an earthquake.
• In a fire, smoke rises through the elevator shaft. See house fire safety.

During a power cut

Most elevators stop when the power goes out. Some descend automatically to the nearest floor and open. If planned outages or a storm are forecast, take the stairs. More in our power outage guide.

What residents can do

• Check that the car displays an emergency number and the date of the last inspection.
• Report it to building management if the elevator stops often, makes odd noises or doesn’t stop level with the floor.
• If you’re claustrophobic or with a small child, keep your phone charged and avoid the elevator during forecast outages.