Blackout in an elevator: what to do if you are trapped and how to reduce the risk

A power failure in an elevator is unpleasant, but in most cases it is not automatically life-threatening. Modern elevators have safety systems designed to stop the car when power is lost. The greater danger often begins when trapped occupants try to force doors open or climb out of a car that has stopped between floors. That should be avoided.

If the elevator stops, press the alarm or emergency-call button first. Many systems have a direct voice connection to a monitoring centre or building service. Calmly explain where you are, how many people are inside and whether anyone has a medical problem. If the system does not work and mobile service is available, call the local emergency number or a known building contact.

Do not force the car doors or landing doors open. Even if you can see a gap, the elevator may not be level with a floor. Trying to climb into an open shaft is far more dangerous than remaining inside the car. Jumping or having several people move violently also provides no benefit. Stay as calm as possible and move normally.

An elevator car is not airtight. Oxygen does not suddenly disappear during a longer stop. Knowing this can help reduce panic. When children, older people or someone with severe anxiety is present, speak calmly, explain that help has been contacted and avoid unnecessary movement. Any medical problem should be reported to the emergency operator immediately.

Use your phone carefully. During a large blackout, mobile networks may be congested. One short message to relatives is usually more useful than several long calls. Tell them where you are and that help has been requested. Then conserve battery power. Use the phone flashlight only when it is genuinely needed.

Better still, avoid entering the situation when warning signs exist. If lights are flickering, brief outages are already occurring or authorities have warned about grid instability, use stairs when practical. This matters especially in tall residential buildings, hotels and offices. Anyone who regularly depends on an elevator should know whether the building has emergency power or an automatic evacuation function.

People with limited mobility need a specific plan. Ask building management, a hotel or an employer what assistance is available during a power failure and where safe waiting areas are located. Stairs are not an independent solution for everyone. The arrangement should therefore be clarified before an emergency rather than after the elevator has stopped.

For relatives or bystanders outside the elevator, the same rule applies: do not pry the doors open yourself. Contact building management, the elevator service or fire brigade and keep the area clear. Trained technicians can secure the installation and move the car to a safe level or carry out a controlled rescue.

After occupants are released, do not immediately use the elevator again simply because the lights have returned. Wait until the operator or qualified personnel has cleared the system. If the electricity supply remains unstable, another outage may follow.

A simple rule is enough to remember: alert, communicate, stay calm, do not climb out by yourself. If you also choose the stairs when electricity appears unstable, you reduce the risk considerably.