How to . . . NOT PANIC and prepare yourself in case you GET STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU GOT STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR?

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It's something that might never happen to you. ( But preparing yourself ahead could help you not to panic if it does.) BEING PREPARED is not a bad idea.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Patience ( and a realization that you will get out.)
Cell phone.
Superintendents phone number.
Small flashlight.( key chain one )
The ability to relax.

Step1

DON'T PANIC: ( Take a deep breath relax and realize that you will get out.) Sitting down may help you to relax. Getting excited will only make matters worse.

Step2

BANG ON THE DOORS with the palm of your hands and call out that you are stuck in the elevator. ( You could use your shoe as well ) Look for the alarm button and use it, because it's there for such a situation. If you don't get any response right away then go to the next step. ( If you have a cell phone put it to work.)

Step3

FIND YOUR CELL PHONE: NOW phone the superintendent of your apartment ( or phone someone that can phone for you.) It's a good idea to have that phone number with you. It also would be a good idea to have your superintendent put their phone number in the elevator.( If you can't find any numbers call 911.)
HAVING A SMALL FLASHLIGHT MIGHT COME IN HANDY IF THE LIGHTS GO OUT.

Step4

Just an added note that a key chain flashlight like the one pictured would be something good to have with you. It's handy and always with you if you put it on your car key chain.

Tips & Warnings

Having a small flashlight on you would be a good idea. ( The key chain one's that you can get at the dollar store are perfect.) or a pen sized one that fits easily into your pocket or purse.
Even if you don't have a cell phone or flashlight . . . realize that you will get out.
If it's a busy place people will soon realize that the elevator is stuck.
When you really think about it, after you have done everything that has been mentioned above, there is not much more that you can do except wait for someone to get you out. Learning how to relax is probably the best thing that you can learn in order to help you if you ever do get stuck in an elevator. If you are not alone in the elevator being calm will help all involved.
DON'T PANIC AS IT WILL NOT HELP YOU OR ANYONE ELSE THAT MIGHT BE WITH YOU.

Comments

Blackbear said

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on 2/18/2008 Great article!!!!!!!!! I always wondered how I would handle such a situation. This will stick in the back of my mind I'm sure if such a thing should take place......just before I pass out. LOL

janizbee said

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on 2/14/2008 I DONT WANT TO LEARN HOW TO "WAIT." WHAT I NEED TO KNOW IN THESE TIMES OF TERRORIST ATTACKS, ETC. IS HOW TO GET OUT THE ELEVATOR WITHOUT WAITING AN HOUR ON SOMEONE ON THE OUTSIDE THAT MAY OR MAY NOT COME TO MY RESCUE. ITS AN OUTRAGE THAT A COMPANY CAN PROVIDE AN ELEVATOR SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC AND WHEN STUCK YOU HAVE TO WAIT TO SEE IF SOMEONE "MIGHT" COME TO YOUR RESCUE. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME NEW AND MORE SPECIFIC LEGISLATION.

KatYares said

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on 12/9/2007 Good tips, but you could always do the alternative and take the stairs. Exercise is always a good thing. :)

kjv4thee said

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on 12/7/2007 Thanks . . . My sons daughter ( age 13 ) just got out of a stuck elevator and this gave me the idea for the article.

grouch said

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on 12/7/2007 Great tips and ideas. Another idea is that it might not have lost power. In older buildings sometimes the inner door gets stuck on the outer door and a nudge to open is all it will take. It is just a pressure problem and when you give it that little extra push it is able to overcome the issue and the door will open issue free.

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