Hurricane Sandy Update
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, FEDERAL ELEVATOR, INC. would like to provide our customers with the following update:
1. 100% of our Commerical and Residential maintenance/repair technicians are able to be dispatched and have resumed service to our customers. While we are pleased to have resumed “normal” operations, please note that as conditions vary throughout the State, our response times may not be normal as additional factor may need to be considered before dispatching.
2. Our Brick, New Jersey office remains without power; however we are fully operational in our Bristol, PA and Durham, NC locations. Thankfully, we have not sustained any damage or loss at this location. Currently our phones are forwarded to Rich, Jr. at Durham, NC location. Currently, both Rich, Sr. and Leslie have limited email access. Any emails regarding immediate attention, should be directed to richjr@federalelevatorinc.com . Please continue to make all requests for service as normal, through our main phone number. Should you place a service call not receive a call back within fifteen minutes, we ask that you please call back.
3. Should you have any doubts regarding the safety and functionality of your equipment, please contact our office.
Should any additional updates be posted, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or this blog.
Elevator Phone Safety
Proper function of elevator phones is vital to passenger safety while riding an elevator. Keep in mind these three simple tips to be sure your elevator phone is a functional safety device during an elevator entrapment.
-Be sure your elevator phone is properly programmed.
Elevator phones must be programmed to a phone number which is answered by a live person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Check with your local municipality or building alarm company for suggestions as to where you can program the phone. 9-1-1 and cell phones are not acceptable programming options.
-Be sure your elevator phone is connected to an active, dedicated line.
As a safety precaution, many elevator phones are designed to properly function on a dedicated phone line. Should your phone be programmed, but not dialing correctly, consult with your phone service provider to be sure the line is still on an active, dedicated line.
-Check the functionality of the phone.
Don’t be afraid to test your phone. When the responder answers, let them know you were testing the device. Always be sure to check the elevator phone after any work is done on the phone lines at your facility.
For any additional information regarding your elevator phone, please contact our office at 732-458-5522.
What To Do If You Are Trapped Inside An Elevator
Unfortunately, riders can become trapped inside an elevator. It is important to remember that although you are trapped, you are still safe. Follow these tips from the National Elevator Industry, Inc. should you ever find yourself trapped inside a device.
1. Push the “Door Open” 
Button
- If you are near the landing the door will open. You can slowly and carefully step out of the elevator. Be sure to watch your step as the elevator floor may, or may not, be level with the landing.
2. Remain Calm
- If the door does not open, you are still safe. Do not try to exit the elevator. Wait for trained emergency personnel to arrive. Even if the air temperature feels warm, there is plenty of air circulating in the elevator and its shaftway.
3. Press the Alarm or Help Button, and Use Any Available Communication Systems
- Push the alarm button
and wait for someone to respond to you. - In newer elevators, there will be a “PHONE” or “HELP” button
instead of an alarm button this will place a call to a party that is trained to take action (i.e. elevator company, alarm company, etc.). It will give the exact location of the building and elevator you are in. Trained emergency personnel will answer the call for service within several minutes. - Some elevators have a two-way speaker system or telephone that will allow for communication between you and the building or rescue personnel. Do not be alarmed if you cannot be heard or if the phone does not work. Some phones are designed to only receive calls. Trained personnel should call when they arrive at the building.
4. Relax, and DO NOT Try to Extract Yourself from the Elevator
- NEVER try to exit a stalled elevator car. It is extremely dangerous. ALWAYS wait for trained emergency personnel.
- Your best course of action is to relax, get comfortable, and wait for professional assistance.
- You may be inconvenienced but you are SAFE.
Elevator Safety Week
The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation is celebrating Safety Awareness week from November 13 through November 19, 2011.
The Foundation is using the week to promote public safety awareness for the industry’s equipment.
Be sure to check back throughout the week for tips you can utilize at your facility.
