Stuck in an Elevator: What to Do
Getting stuck in an elevator is unsettling, but the rule is simple: call for help, stay in the car, and wait. These steps will help you stay calm until help arrives.
What to do
- Stay calm — the car has ventilation openings, so don't worry about air. If you're with children or older people, reassure them and keep them away from the doors.
- Press the door-open button once — if the doors open and the car is level with the floor, step out carefully. If they don't open, don't try to open them by hand.
- Call for help — press the alarm button or use the emergency intercom, and give the building name and floor if you know them.
- Use your phone if nobody answers — call building management or your maintenance company. If you can't reach them, call Civil Defense on 998. With no signal, call out clearly so people in the building can hear you.
- Stay in the car and wait — don't leave until a qualified technician or Civil Defense tells you it's safe.
If anyone needs medical help, call the Red Crescent on 997. If you notice smoke or suspect a fire, call Civil Defense on 998 straight away.
What you should never do
- Don't force the doors open.
- Don't try to climb out through the doors or the ceiling: the car could move at any moment.
- Don't bang on or kick the doors.
If someone else is stuck
- Reassure them — talk to them calmly and let them know help is on the way.
- Don't open the doors or try to pull them out — rescue is a job for a qualified technician or Civil Defense.
- Call building management or your maintenance company — if you can't reach them, call Civil Defense on 998.
After you get out
- Report what happened — tell building management or your maintenance company the time, the floor and anything you noticed.
- Take the elevator out of service — and put up a notice for residents until a qualified technician has inspected it.
Frequently asked questions
Can the air run out inside an elevator?
Don't worry about air: the car has ventilation openings. Stay calm and wait for help.
Can the elevator fall?
Elevators have safety systems designed to stop the car safely if something goes wrong. Staying inside and waiting for help is still your safest choice.
The doors opened partly and the floor is close. Should I get out?
No. If the car isn't exactly level with the floor, stay inside and wait. Climbing out can put you in serious danger.
What if the elevator stopped because of a power cut?
Follow the same steps: call for help, stay in the car, and wait. If the light is dim, you can use your phone's torch.
