What To Do If You’re Trapped In A Lift

Accidents occurring in lifts are incredibly rare. However, realising you’re trapped in a lift that has broken down can be a frightening experience. It’s easy to panic and worsen the situation further. Yet with a clear head, you can put your circumstances into perspective and work out the right course of action.

These essential tips will ensure you make the best of your situation until help arrives.



Try to remain calm and level-headed

Picture this: you’re travelling in a lift and it slowly grinds to a halt, leaving you stuck inside. The natural human response to this situation is to panic. However if you can, it’s best to try your hardest to keep a cool head so you can think your way through this predicament. It’s important to remember that modern lifts are unlikely to come crashing down, and so it’s best to wait the situation out.

Press each of the floor buttons one by one

It’s worth pressing each of the floor buttons one by one, before trying the ‘doors open’ button. If this fails, you can assume the lift is definitely broken.

Work out where you’ve stopped

Look through the slit between the doors of a lift. If you see light, it’s likely you’ve stopped by a floor of the building you’re in. This is a good position to be in, as your shouts for help will probably be heard and someone can come and unlock the lift. If you’re unable to see lights, you are between floors and therefore less likely to be heard. In this situation, locate an emergency phone or alarm button, which you should press repeatedly until help arrives. Try not to give up hope, as it’s almost certain you’ll eventually be rescued.

Be mindful of time

It’s unlikely that you’ll be stuck in an elevator for more than half an hour. You’ll want to avoid staying there overnight so try to get someone’s attention by banging on the doors after this period has passed. If you genuinely believe everyone has left the building and no help is available, you’ll have to accept you’re in for a nightly stay. Conserve your energy by sleeping, and try again in the morning.