Power Outages: What To Know & Do in an Elevator

Power outages can occur at any time and for a myriad of reasons, from storm-related events to power grid issues, leaving people in the dark for minutes or even hours. While this is a minor inconvenience for most people who are home and safe, for elevator riders, there is a sense of urgency to exit the elevator safely and securely. 

We’ve all seen movie or TV scenes of people in an elevator during a power outage that scare us into thinking the elevator will plummet to the ground. These images are enough to make many of us skeptical about the safety features in modern elevators that are designed to protect us in such circumstances. 

Let’s take a look at the inner workings of elevators, including the safety features that protect riders and what to do in the event of a power outage while in an elevator. 

Emergency Safety Mechanisms 

Battery Backup

Most modern elevator systems have backup power that activates if the primary power source fails. Depending on the system, backup power can be provided by a battery system or a generator system that activates immediately when the primary power source is no longer available. This safety mechanism is designed to lower the elevator car to the next floor, open the door(s) and allow passengers to exit the elevator safely. 

Automatic Brake Systems

Another safety mechanism that activates during a power outage is the braking system. Modern elevators are designed with brakes that instantly activate in the event of a power failure, ensuring that a free-fall scenario does not occur. 

Emergency Lighting Systems 

In the case of a power outage and the elevator is stopped, riders will not remain in the dark. Modern elevators come equipped with backup power that keeps the car lit in the event of an emergency. 

Emergency Communication 

Elevators are equipped with emergency communication systems that allow passengers to contact help in the event of a power outage. Each passenger should become familiar with the phone or intercom system in case they need to use it in the future. 

What To Do During an Outage as an Occupant 

As an occupant of an elevator during a power outage, there are several things you can do to help the situation. First and foremost, try to remain calm. While that is not always the case when the power goes out, it is best to take a few deep breaths and take steps to alert the authorities to the situation. 

In addition to remaining calm, begin by alerting the proper authorities to the situation, which may include pressing the alarm button or call button inside the elevator, typically located on the panel. There may also be a communication system that you could use to tell emergency authorities how many people are in the elevator and what floor you started on and where the car was heading (up or down). 

Things you should avoid doing while in an elevator during a power failure are trying to open the doors, playing with the buttons or panicking. These could make the situation worse and may hamper rescue personnel from opening the doors. 

Buckley Elevator prides itself on designing and installing modern elevators with exceptional safety features for the comfort and peace of mind of all our riders. Contact us for information about our elevators and services.