disaster life_threatening ai_generated true

AI advises using an elevator to evacuate a building during an earthquake (entrapment and power failure risk)

ID: disaster/earthquake-elevator-use-myth

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
90%Fix Rate
90%Confidence
1Evidence
2023-09-05First Seen

Root Cause

Earthquakes can cause power outages and structural deformation that trap elevator cars, leaving occupants stranded without communication or rescue access during aftershocks.

generic

中文

地震可能导致断电和结构变形，使电梯轿厢被困，让乘客在余震期间滞留，无法通信或获得救援。

Official Documentation

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/prevent/earthquake/eq_building.pdf

Workarounds

  1. 95% success Use stairwells for evacuation during an earthquake; never use elevators. If already in an elevator, press the nearest floor button and exit immediately when doors open. 
    Use stairwells for evacuation during an earthquake; never use elevators. If already in an elevator, press the nearest floor button and exit immediately when doors open.
  2. 80% success If trapped in an elevator, remain calm, press the alarm button, and wait for professional rescue; do not attempt risky self-extraction. 
    If trapped in an elevator, remain calm, press the alarm button, and wait for professional rescue; do not attempt risky self-extraction.

中文步骤

  1. 地震期间使用楼梯疏散；切勿使用电梯。如果已经在电梯内，按下最近的楼层按钮，并在门打开时立即离开。
  2. 如果被困在电梯中，保持冷静，按下警报按钮并等待专业救援；不要尝试危险的自救。

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 70% fail

    Power may be out and the emergency phone line may be dead; manual door opening can be impossible due to misalignment or safety interlocks.

  2. 85% fail

    The shaft is dark, and the car may be between floors; falling into the shaft is fatal, and the car can move suddenly if power is restored.