Stay Calm and Act Fast
An elevator breakdown is one of the most stressful events a building owner or manager can face. Whether passengers are trapped inside or the unit simply stops working, the situation demands a quick, calm, and organized response.
At BROUSS Elevators, we handle hundreds of emergency calls every year across South Florida. Here's our expert guide on exactly what to do when your elevator breaks down.
If you are the one stuck inside, first breathe: a stalled elevator is one of the safest places you can be, and there is no danger of falling. We keep a dedicated passenger guide with the exact steps to follow: What to Do If You're Stuck in an Elevator.
If Passengers Are Trapped Inside
For building owners and managers, this is the highest-priority scenario. Someone is stuck, scared, and possibly in medical distress, especially in Florida's heat.
Step 1: Communicate Immediately
Use the elevator's intercom or emergency phone to speak with the trapped passengers. Reassure them that help is on the way. Ask if anyone needs medical attention.
Step 2: Call Your Elevator Service Company
Contact your elevator contractor immediately. A qualified technician must perform the rescue. Never attempt to pry doors open or operate the elevator manually unless you are certified to do so. At BROUSS, entrapment calls go to the front of the line, with a real person coordinating the rescue from the first minute.
Step 3: Call 911 If Necessary
If a passenger reports a medical emergency, claustrophobia, or extreme distress, call 911 in addition to your elevator service provider. Fire departments can assist with elevator rescues, but a trained technician ensures the safest extraction.
Step 4: Keep Communication Open
Stay in contact with the trapped passengers until help arrives. Let them know the technician's estimated arrival time. Remind them that the elevator car is a safe space and there is no danger of falling.
If the Elevator Is Simply Not Working
When the elevator stops running but no one is trapped, the situation is less urgent, but it still needs prompt attention.
Step 1: Verify the Problem
Check if the issue is on all floors or just one. Is the elevator responding to calls at all? Are the doors opening and closing? This information helps your technician diagnose the problem faster.
Step 2: Post "Out of Service" Signage
Immediately place clear signs on every floor to prevent people from waiting for an elevator that won't come. If your building has multiple elevators, direct traffic to the working units.
Step 3: Call Your Service Provider
Report the issue to your elevator contractor with as much detail as possible: when the problem started, any unusual sounds or behavior, and whether the elevator is stuck on a specific floor.
Step 4: Assist Residents and Visitors
In buildings with elderly or disabled residents, arrange assistance for those who cannot use stairs. This is especially important in South Florida's multi-story condos and senior living facilities.
What NOT to Do During an Elevator Breakdown
- Don't try to fix it yourself. Elevators contain high-voltage electrical systems and heavy mechanical components. Only certified technicians should work on them.
- Don't force the doors open. This can cause injuries and further damage the elevator.
- Don't use the elevator after a partial recovery. If the elevator starts working again on its own, keep it locked out of service until a technician inspects it.
- Don't ignore recurring issues. If your elevator has broken down more than once in six months, it's time for a thorough inspection or modernization assessment.
Prevention Is the Best Strategy
Most elevator breakdowns are preventable with regular maintenance. Worn parts, misaligned doors, and aging control systems can all be identified and addressed before they cause a failure.
A comprehensive maintenance contract with a reputable service provider is the best way to minimize breakdowns, protect your tenants, and avoid expensive emergency repairs.
This Is Why 24/7 Service Matters
When an elevator traps a passenger, every second counts. Our monitoring means a real person is there, every time, day or night, across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Save our number now: 786.308.9128. Let's talk before the alarm does.
