[RVRoadie]

At about 4:45pm Sunday, Jan 31st, I stepped into the elevator on the third floor after finishing a workout along with another couple. Pushed the down button and we appeared to go down to the first floor, then nothing happened. Doors would not open and elevator would not respond to any pushed buttons.

Gave three short blasts on the alarm, waited a few seconds then another three short blasts.

After a couple of minutes I called my wife, who had the foresight to finish her workout before me, and was now waiting at the coffee bar on the first floor. Explained the situation to her and asked her to get things moving to get us out. Rang alarm a few more times just for good measure.

Called her back a few minutes later and got this status update. Several minutes went by while the staff was trying to figure out who in the heck was sounding the alarm bell. My wife then explained that it was the people stuck in the elevator that were ringing the alarm. Oh! After first getting voicemail, the staff contacted property management and was assured that someone was on the way. I told my wife that I was getting hot (just worked out), the lady was claustrophobic and getting anxious and the gentleman was having some difficulty standing using his cane. I asked if anyone thought of calling 911 and was told that property management said not to. Now the claustrophobic lady started pushing the alarm button.

Called back after another couple of minutes got the following update: property management was two minutes out. I asked if they were sending someone that could fix the problem? "Don't know". I said maybe time to call 911 (At this point you are probably wondering why I haven't called 911, and as I look back, so am I). "Not necessary yet." Things inside the elevator are getting a little tense and uncomfortable.

Called back after another couple of minutes and my wife answered "wuzup" It took me several moments to recover, but I not so politely told her that we were stuck in this elevator and that was wuzup. Call 911 right now.

By that time property management had shown up, tried resetting the time clock (ie rebooted the computer) and quickly figured out they had no idea how to open the elevator. Then they called 911.

Both police and fire showed up quickly, came into the building, and asked for the elevator fire key. Huh? What key?

Firefighters quickly figured out that we were on the first floor and forced open the outer elevator doors. However the inner doors wouldn't open. Then then let the outer doors slam shut to see what would happen. Luckily, that seemed to wake up the elevator and a pleasant voice announced "going up" Fortunately it then stopped on the first floor, the doors opened and we all walked off.

Next time I think I will walk.

[Pturner]

If staff didn't know what to do when the alarm sounded, Property Management asked that 911 not be called and a fire key could not be found, that's "alarming". I'm so glad this ended well. Let's hope there was a "lessons learned".

[elevatorman]

It sounds like the door interlock at the first floor was not making contact. When the door was slammed closed the contact connected and all was ok. This problem can continue until addressed by the service mechanic. I recently retired after working on elevators for over 35 years, and on Sundays it would sometimes take 45 min. to an hour to get to the elevator after I got a call. 911 is sometimes a better option. The Fire Dept will get you out. It may end up costing the building owner a lot of money to replace the parts damaged by them but that is not a concern to you. I would think 911 would be the first call in TV, due to the possible fragility of the elevators users. Elevators are still 1 of the safest forms of transportation around.

[islandgal]

Originally Posted by elevatorman

It sounds like the door interlock at the first floor was not making contact. When the door was slammed closed the contact connected and all was ok. This problem can continue until addressed by the service mechanic. I recently retired after working on elevators for over 35 years, and on Sundays it would sometimes take 45 min. to an hour to get to the elevator after I got a call. 911 is sometimes a better option. The Fire Dept will get you out. It may end up costing the building owner a lot of money to replace the parts damaged by them but that is not a concern to you. I would think 911 would be the first call in TV, due to the possible fragility of the elevators users. Elevators are still 1 of the safest forms of transportation around.

Elevatorman -
Having been a commercial property manager at one time, I don't understand why property management didn't call the elevator company.. Isn't that the first call? My experience was elevator companies have a 24-hour on call phone number.
I can't imagine their not knowing what to do - unbelievable and their slow response time - scary. Imagine being in that same situation in a 40-story building!

[elevatorman]

Originally Posted by islandgal

Elevatorman -
Having been a commercial property manager at one time, I don't understand why property management didn't call the elevator company.. Isn't that the first call? My experience was elevator companies have a 24-hour on call phone number.
I can't imagine their not knowing what to do - unbelievable and their slow response time - scary. Imagine being in that same situation in a 40-story building!

Yes there is usually one or more on call persons. Most contracts these days do not cover all overtime calls. Some don't cover any calls day or night. Some cover all calls. Maintenance is usually done by a qualified person and when the elevator company is called for a problem they will respond. The cost is the concern of the property management. If the elevator can be freed by someone who is at the site it could save a few hundred dollars. then call for am service on Monday. I do not know what type of contract this building had. I worked in the Washington DC area and the companies I worked for told us if we recieved an entrapment call to respond even if our company did not hold the contract. The building would usually pay if a person was let out of the elevator.

[skip0358]

Being an ex fireman I can tell you 911/and FD are to be called without delay. They have elevator keys and rescue equipment. As was stated there were possible medical situations in the elevator. Very bad judgement on the people in charge of the bldg.

[Talk Host]

If it were me, I would make sure that the proper authorities in the Villages know about this situation. It was poorly handled. ( by the people on the outside of the elevator).

[zcaveman]

I did not make the Daily Sun today. I was looking for it.

[billethkid]

entities in the "local" marketing paper, The Daily Sun.

btk

[eremite06]

Originally Posted by skip0358

Being an ex fireman I can tell you 911/and FD are to be called without delay. They have elevator keys and rescue equipment. As was stated there were possible medical situations in the elevator. Very bad judgement on the people in charge of the bldg.

SKIP, I agree, wholeheartedly. I'm also a retired firefighter and you wouldn't believe how many "stuck in elevator" calls I've been on in 30 years in Miami. People, just call 911!!!!!

[rshoffer]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

I did not make the Daily Sun today. I was looking for it.

Surely you jest...

[villager99]

the wellness center's move to a multi-floor complex was not well thought out as this thread shows. and to boot folks with disabilities are assigned to use the second floor gym. glad no one was hurt. appalling but not surprising that staff botched the handling of this emergency.