With dangerously cold temperatures and the potential for widespread power outages, building owners, property managers, and elevator passengers should be prepared for temporary disruptions — including situations where someone may become stuck in elevator during power outage conditions. Winter storms place additional strain on electrical grids, and sudden outages can cause elevators to stop between floors.
While the experience can be stressful, modern elevators are engineered with multiple safety systems designed to protect passengers. Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can help keep you safe until help arrives.
1. Stay Calm — Elevators Are Designed to Be Safe
Even during a winter outage, modern elevators rely on multiple elevator safety features that keep the cab secure and prevent uncontrolled movement. Emergency lighting typically activates immediately, and the braking system locks the cab safely in place.
Remaining calm helps you think clearly and follow the right steps.
2. Use the Elevator’s Emergency Communication System
Press the emergency call button once and wait for a response.
When you press the emergency button, the cab connects you to trained personnel through advanced elevator emergency communication systems, ensuring your situation is logged and help is dispatched.
Provide responders with:
• Your location
• The number of people in the cab
• Any medical concerns
• Any signs of distress
During winter storms, response teams may be handling multiple calls, but help will arrive.
3. Do Not Attempt to Force the Doors Open
Never attempt to pry open the doors or climb out. Even during a power outage, elevators can restart unexpectedly when utility or backup power returns. Attempting to exit without trained personnel is extremely dangerous.
Stay inside the cab until professionals arrive.
4. Conserve Your Phone Battery
If you have cell service:
- Send a brief text to a family member or colleague
- Avoid unnecessary apps
- Keep your phone available for emergency responders
Your phone may be your best personal communication tool during a winter storm.
5. Stay Warm and Comfortable
Cold weather can make passengers more sensitive to temperature changes, but elevator cabs retain heat well.
To stay comfortable:
- Keep your coat, gloves, and scarf on
- Sit or stand away from the doors
- Stay calm—stress can make you feel colder
Most entrapments are resolved quickly once responders arrive.
6. Wait for Trained Professionals
Only certified technicians should perform elevator rescues.
Remain inside the cab until elevator service and repair in NY and NJ teams or emergency responders arrive.
They may need to:
- Restore temporary power
- Manually lower the elevator
- Unlock the cab using certified tools
Never attempt to exit on your own.
7. After You Are Safely Out
If you are a building owner or manager, schedule an inspection before returning the elevator to service. Winter outages can cause:
- Electrical resets
- Fault codes
- Minor system disruptions
A licensed technician should verify that the elevator is safe and fully operational.
How Building Owners Can Prepare for Winter Storms
Before severe weather hits, building owners should schedule preventive elevator maintenance to ensure systems are ready for cold temperatures and potential power fluctuations.
Additional winter preparation steps:
• Test emergency lighting and communication systems
• Verify generator or backup power functionality
• Ensure machine rooms are heated and protected from freezing
• Share emergency procedures with tenants and staff
Preparedness is the strongest defense against winter‑related elevator disruptions.
When Modernization May Be Needed
If your building experiences frequent shutdowns during storms, upgrading to modern controllers and components through elevator modernization solutions can significantly improve reliability.
Modernization can improve:
- Power‑loss handling
- Communication systems
- Controller stability
- Overall uptime during severe weather.
About Day Elevator & Lift, a KLEEMANN Company
DAY Elevator & Lift, a KLEEMANN Company, specializes in the consultation, design, and installation of elevators, lifts, and a wide range of accessibility products and solutions for both residential and commercial use. As a trusted partner for homeowners, contractors, builders, developers, and architects, we focus on convenience, safety, and full ADA compliance, ensuring seamless integration of our product solutions into a single-family home, a multi-unit community, a commercial building such as office buildings, airports, stadiums, shopping centers, theatres, museums, industrial facilities. DAY Elevator & Lift will partner with you through every phase of your project.
By joining forces with KLEEMANN, one of the most important manufacturers in the global market, our list of high-quality services has grown. We are proud to embody KLEEMANN’s renowned commitment to excellence, delivering top-tier products and cutting-edge solutions for both people and freight.
Author
This article was developed with the support of the Day Elevator & Lift team.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional safety training or emergency response procedures. Elevator systems should only be serviced or accessed by licensed and qualified technicians. In the event of an emergency, always follow the instructions of building personnel, emergency responders, and local authorities. Procedures may vary depending on the elevator model, building configuration, and local regulations.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What should I do first if I get stuck in an elevator during a winter power outage?
Stay calm and press the emergency call button once. Emergency systems are designed to remain operational even during outages.
Can an elevator fall during a power outage?
No. Elevators are engineered with safety brakes that secure the cab in place, even when power is lost.
How long does it take for help to arrive?
Response times vary, especially during winter storms, but trained personnel prioritize elevator entrapments and follow strict rescue protocols.
Will the elevator get cold inside?
Elevator cabs retain heat well, and emergency lighting provides some warmth. Keeping your winter clothing on helps maintain comfort.
Should I try to open the doors myself?
No. Forcing the doors open or attempting to exit between floors is extremely dangerous. Wait for trained professionals.
Will my phone work inside the elevator?
Many elevators allow cell signals, but service may vary. Conserve your battery and use your phone only for essential communication.
What causes elevators to stop during winter storms?
Power outages, voltage fluctuations, and building system stress can temporarily interrupt elevator operation.
How can building owners prepare elevators for winter weather?
Regular maintenance, generator testing, machine‑room heating, and emergency system checks help prevent winter‑related disruptions.
Do elevators have backup power?
Some buildings have generators that allow elevators to return to the nearest floor, but this varies by property.
Who is responsible for elevator rescue?
Only licensed elevator technicians and emergency responders are authorized to perform rescues.