Children’s curiosity often leads them to explore new things, which is a natural part of growing up. One experience that many kids find fascinating is riding an elevator. The shiny buttons (and deciding who gets to push them), the moving floors, and the opening and closing doors all spark wonder in their eyes. However, while these moments are exciting, they also come with safety risks.
At Metro Elevator, we understand the joy of watching kids discover new experiences but also recognize the importance of teaching them how to safely use elevators.
Understanding the Risks
Over a 14-year period, research revealed that children experienced approximately 29,030 elevator-related injuries. The most common injuries involved body parts getting caught as the elevator doors closed. Injuries such as sprained fingers, arms and wrists, as well as bruises and scrapes, were frequent, especially for younger children who are more vulnerable. For toddlers, head injuries were particularly common.
This highlights the need for parents to educate their children about elevator safety to prevent injuries and ensure they can enjoy this experience safely.
Key Elevator Safety Tips for Children
Before your child steps into an elevator, it’s important to explain that elevators are machines, not toys. While they can be fun, they can also cause serious harm if not used correctly. Show them how an elevator is properly maintained and kept safe by reviewing a trusted maintenance website.
Share these elevator safety tips with children before they begin exploring elevators:
Entering and Exiting Elevators
Always wait for others to exit before entering.
Walk quickly but carefully into the elevator—no running.
If the elevator is full, wait for the next one.
Look down at the floor when entering or exiting, as the elevator cab may not always align with the floor level.
Once Inside
Only press the button for your floor; never push random buttons.
If you’re not close to the button panel, ask an adult to press the floor button for you.
Use the "door open" button if people need to get out, but never use the "door close" button until everyone is in and the doors haven’t already started to close.
Never jump up and down or lean against the elevator doors.
Stay clear of the doors as they open and close.
Do not climb or hang on the rails or other fixtures inside the elevator.
Take a Fun Break: Free Elevator Safety Coloring Page!
While you’re learning about elevator safety, take a moment to color this fun elevator safety page! It will help you remember the rules and stay safe every time you ride in an elevator. Simply download and print the page, and enjoy coloring as you learn.
In an Emergency
Only push the elevator alarm or help button if there is an emergency.
Wait patiently if stuck for help to arrive.
Never try to open or close elevator doors with your hands, feet or body.
Don't leave a stalled elevator or try to open closed doors if they are stuck. Call for help.
Do not pick up the elevator phone unless there is an emergency. It's not for ordering pizza or, like Buddy the Elf, asking the person on the other end what their favorite color is.
People leave all types of germs in an elevator when they cough, sneeze or touch the inside panel, the doors and the rails. To help keep your child healthy, teach them that this is one of those times when it's important to wash their hands as soon as possible after leaving the elevator.
Create Your Own Elevator Safety Plan
Remember, you may not always be with your child when they use an elevator, so make sure they understand the rules. They should know that elevators receive regular maintenance and are certified through safety inspections. You can show them how this is done by reviewing those services with them. But because elevators are machines, they can sometimes break down. Prepare them for that possibility. Outline elevator safety tips they should follow on a piece of paper they can review, such as:
Stay Calm: Stand still and quiet if the elevator stops moving.
Don't Touch: Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Don't try to move the door with them.
Seek Help: If there is an emergency, push the help button, hit the alarm or use the phone to call for help.
Avoid Sensors: Stand away from the sensors and the doors.
Be Patient: Remain silent as you wait for help to come. The elevator is safe and help will arrive.
Show, Don't Just Tell
As parents, your actions often speak louder than words. Sharing your elevator safety plan with your child is important, but demonstrating those behaviors is even more impactful. Here are some tips to help you lead by example:
Lead By Example
Children naturally learn by observing their parents. The next time you use an elevator together, model safe and courteous behavior. Show them how to press the "door open" button to let others exit first, demonstrate patience if the elevator is slow, and always follow safety rules.
By practicing these habits yourself, you’ll encourage your child to adopt them too—helping ensure they make safe choices when using elevators on their own.
Set Appropriate Expectations
While it’s not common, elevators can sometimes stop working due to power outages or technical issues. If this happens, reassure your child that help will come and they are safe. Teach them to remain calm and use the elevator’s emergency button to request assistance.
It’s also important for them to understand that an elevator might stop between floors, and in such cases, they should not panic but wait for help.
Teach Your Child the Dangers Elevators Can Pose
While it’s important to teach your child how to behave inside an elevator, it’s equally crucial to make them aware of the dangers. For example:
Show your child where the elevator sensors are and explain how they work.
Point out the emergency button and the phone, and make sure they understand how to use them.
Teach them never to stand near the open doors.
If there’s an emergency in the building, remind them to use the stairs rather than the elevator.
Our Metro Elevator team is committed to safety and believes that with the right knowledge, every elevator ride can be a safe and enjoyable experience for your child. By teaching these elevator safety tips, you’re not only protecting your child today but also instilling valuable lessons that they’ll carry with them into the future.
We currently have multiple Division offices in New England, New York, Coastal Carolina, the Northwest, Utah, Texas, and more – all dedicated to safety and education. If you’d like to learn more about elevator safety and tips to give your children, contact us today for an in-depth look into your vertical transportation system.
Rick Bonds is the President of Metro Elevator Texas and brings nearly two decades of experience in the elevator industry to his clients. Learn more about Rick and his team.