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There's nothing more terrifying than getting stuck in an elevator.

Imagine rushing to your meeting, then getting into an elevator and after a few minutes it suddenly makes an abrupt stop and the lights inside go out--it is a recipe for a disaster.

Fortunately, elevator related deaths are few and far between. For example, in 2011 the Los Angeles Times reported that in the US, the elevators across the country make an estimated 18 billion passenger trips per year.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, out of these billions of trips, only 27 resulted in deaths.

Photo taken from Kinga Longa/ pexels.com

In short, the chances of you getting into an elevator accident is very slim. Elevators are generally safe but if you get yourself stuck in an elevator, you have to follow a few safety tips from experts to keep yourself safe from unnecessary harm.

In a recent episode of the award-winning sitcom Pepito Manaloto, GMA-7 Head of Security Adlai Asturiano shared some reminders to viewers on elevator safety.

He pointed out the common reasons why an elevator will suddenly stop: power outage, earthquakes, the elevator is overloaded, or a mechanical trouble.

Mr. Asturiano added that the reaction team or people responding to such emergencies would also be immediately deployed to handle these cases.

“Kadalasan sa mga reaction team ng isang building kapag ganyan may na-trap sa elevator dapat diyan less than 10 minutes nakapag-rescue na 'yung mga technician.”

Photo taken from Pepito Manaloto episode and Kelly Lacy

pexels.com

Just in case the rescue team arrives later than expected, follow these important reminders to keep yourself safe.

Panic is the enemy

Mr. Adlai Asturiano stressed the importance of keeping your presence of mind during an emergency.

If in case you are trapped in an elevator, you must control your emotions, so you can make sound decisions on how you can call for help.

Asturiano noted, “Kapag ang isang tao ay ma-trap sa elevator pinaka-importante huwag magpanic. Maging kalmado at stay focus and most importantly magkaroon tayo ng presence of mind.”

Use your cellphone

Having your cellphone with you at all times is important, because you can call for help during an elevator emergency.

Or you can use the torch light feature on your smartphone if the power goes out. Use the light to locate the emergency button.

Asturiano explained, “Huwag mag-panic dahil halos lahat naman tayo ay may cellphone. Paalala natin ang ating cellphone ay mayroong flashlight, para makita natin kung nasaan yung alarm button ng elevator.

“Alarm button siya or emergency button na kapag pinindot mo ay magse-send ng signal sa nagmomonitor ng elevator or 'yung mga safety technician para malaman na may insidente nangyayari sa loob ng elevator.”

Don't climb out the elevator

Trying to get yourself out of a malfunctioning elevator is a big no-no, since you might risk injuring yourself.

In an interview by safebee.com with the National Association of Elevator Contractors managing director Edward Donoghue warned the public of doing this because you might fall right down the elevator shaft or imagine what will happen to you if the elevator suddenly worked again.

It will be a lot safer to wait for the rescue team to assist you in getting out.

It is important to keep in mind that elevators are built with safety in mind. If you are worried that it might fall, you have to remember that these machines contain safety emergency breaks, so a free-fall is virtually impossible.

We hope that you will follow these tips if you find yourself in an elevator emergency.