When an emergency strikes, our instinct is often to get out as quickly as possible. But in these high-stress moments, it’s important to make informed decisions that ensure our safety. One of the most common and dangerous mistakes people make is choosing to use a lift during an emergency. It may seem like a faster route to safety, but using a lift in an emergency can put you in far greater danger than you might realise.
Lifts Are Unreliable During Emergencies
Lifts are built for convenience, not crisis situations. In emergencies, especially fires, earthquakes, or power outages, the lift system is highly likely to malfunction. Fire can damage electrical components, and earthquakes can cause lifts to become stuck or even plummet if safety features fail. In case of a power failure, you might find yourself trapped inside a confined space with no light, fresh air, or means of communication. Elevators depend on electricity, and in many emergencies, the power is the first thing to go.
Smoke and Fire Hazards
In the case of a fire, using a lift is one of the worst decisions you could make. Lifts move through a shaft that can act as a chimney, channelling smoke and toxic fumes upwards. If you’re in the lift when this happens, you risk exposure to smoke inhalation, which can be deadly within minutes. Additionally, fire can cause the lift’s internal mechanics to fail, stopping the lift mid-floor, trapping you in a dangerous situation.
Potential for Getting Trapped
During emergencies, especially in multi-storey buildings, emergency protocols prioritise shutting down lifts to prevent their use. If you’re in one when this happens, you could be stuck between floors, with no easy way for emergency personnel to reach you. Rescue operations might take hours or even days, depending on the severity of the situation and the building’s height or complexity. Staying trapped in a lift could delay your evacuation and put you at greater risk of injury or death.
Blocking Access for Emergency Services
Lifts are often required by emergency services, such as firefighters, who may use them to transport heavy equipment or evacuate vulnerable people. By occupying a lift during an emergency, you could inadvertently delay rescue operations and put more lives at risk, including your own.
Limited Accessibility for Disabled and Elderly Individuals
Stairs are typically more accessible than lifts for emergency responders and for people who need assistance, such as the elderly or disabled. Many buildings are equipped with safe areas or evacuation chairs that allow people with mobility issues to be safely evacuated by emergency personnel. In contrast, lifts are not designed to be used by these individuals during an emergency, making them a less safe option overall.
Unpredictable Elevator Behaviour
Elevators can behave unpredictably in emergencies. For example, the automatic doors might open on the floor where the danger is highest, like during a fire or structural collapse. Additionally, emergency procedures may override normal elevator functions, leading to unexpected stops or movements. Instead of going straight to the ground floor, an elevator could stop at multiple levels, which could heighten your risk and delay your escape.
Stairwells Are Designed for Safety
Stairwells, on the other hand, are specifically designed for safe evacuation. Most buildings have protected, fire-resistant stairwells that provide a secure route out. These areas are often separated from the main building structure to ensure they remain safe from fire and smoke for as long as possible. They are equipped with emergency lighting and handrails to help guide you to safety, even in darkness or poor visibility.
Safety Protocols and Best Practices
Every building has its own safety protocols, but almost all recommend using the stairs in an emergency. Signs near lifts in public and commercial buildings universally advise against their use during a fire or other emergencies. These signs are not mere suggestions—they are critical reminders of the risks involved.
What to Do Instead
In an emergency, always:
- Stay Calm: Panicking can cloud your judgment. Keep calm to think clearly and follow the safest path out.
- Follow Evacuation Signs: Look for illuminated exit signs that will lead you to the nearest stairwell.
- Use the Stairs: Stairs are designed to help you evacuate safely. They may take longer, but they are a far safer choice.
- Help Others: If you see someone who may need assistance, offer help or alert emergency personnel.
In emergencies, every second counts, and every decision matters. Using a lift might seem like the fastest way out, but it’s often the most dangerous. Remember that lifts are not designed to be safe in emergencies. They can fail, get stuck, or expose you to greater risks. Instead, use the stairs, stay alert, and follow the emergency protocols. It might just save your life.