No one can prevent elevator emergencies from happening. Things happen that are out of your control. But what you can do is prepare for any eventuality by stocking up on supplies to ensure a blackout, fire, weather event, or other emergency doesn’t sideline your operations.
Emergency planning is vital for commercial elevators, to be sure, but it is also critical if you own a home elevator. Know what to do to prepare your house and elevator system in the event of an emergency, particularly if your region is prone to experiencing hurricanes, floods, or blizzards.
Back Up Your Batteries
Power outages are not uncommon. High winds in particular can knock out power and leave your elevator unable to operate. You certainly don’t want to be in the elevator when this happens. This is why a backup battery system is essential. It will ensure the cab heads to the lowest landing and then open the doors for your safe exit.
Add Emergency Lighting and Alarms
Emergency lighting and alarms will alert others that you are in need of help. When needing assistance, stand by the elevator, push the alarm, and summon emergency services to come to your home. If there is a fire, get out of the home as soon as you can.
Ensure Phones Are Working
You likely have your smart phone in your pocket at all times, but in case you don’t, you want to make sure the in-cab phone is working. If you don’t have one already, consider installing a flush-mounted speakerphone with keypad and 2-way conversation mode.
Put Fire Safety First
Create a fire escape plan involving multiple scenarios so your entire family knows where to go in the event of a fire. Tell all family members not to use the elevator when there is a fire emergency, as flames and smoke could infiltrate the cab, and the doors could open up onto a landing engulfed in fire. Get out of the home per your plan and always use the stairs.
Conduct Routine Maintenance
To prevent an emergency situation from happening, be sure to conduct regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance on your unit. Inspections and repairs should be performed by certified elevator mechanics annually to check safety elements and diagnostics.
Ensure Storm and Flooding Safety
When tropical storms, hurricanes, and driving rains hit, flooding is a very real possibility, especially if you live in a flood zone. Make a plan ahead of time so you know what to do if ordered to leave your home by authorities. Send the elevator to its highest landing and power it down.
After the storm is over, contact Mowrey, your residential elevator service provider, to inspect and restart your elevator and make any necessary repairs.
Contact Mowrey Elevator
Do you need a repair or want to sign up for regular maintenance schedules to ensure you’re covered in the event of an emergency? Just contact Mowrey today.