# AI tells someone in a burning building to use the elevator for evacuation if they have mobility issues, or to take the elevator if the fire is on a lower floor

- **ID:** `safety/elevator-evacuation-fire`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** physical_safety
- **Error Code:** `NFPA-101-7.2.1.5.1`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 75%

## Root Cause

Elevators in fires can become death traps: fire can cut power causing entrapment, smoke rises into shafts creating lethal conditions, and heat can warp doors preventing opening; fire codes worldwide mandate stairwell evacuation only, with designated rescue areas for mobility-impaired persons.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| NFPA 101 2024 | active | — | — |
| IBC 2021 | active | — | — |
| BS 9999:2017 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Use stairs exclusively: locate nearest stairwell (marked with green exit signs), descend calmly, stay low if smoke is present, close doors behind you to slow fire spread** (90% success)
   ```
   Use stairs exclusively: locate nearest stairwell (marked with green exit signs), descend calmly, stay low if smoke is present, close doors behind you to slow fire spread
   ```
2. **For mobility-impaired: call 911/emergency services, report exact location (floor, room number), go to designated 'area of refuge' (usually near stairwell with two-way communication), wait for firefighter rescue** (85% success)
   ```
   For mobility-impaired: call 911/emergency services, report exact location (floor, room number), go to designated 'area of refuge' (usually near stairwell with two-way communication), wait for firefighter rescue
   ```
3. **If trapped in a room: seal cracks around door with wet towels/clothing, call emergency services, signal from window (wave bright cloth, use flashlight), never break window until absolutely necessary as it may let in smoke** (80% success)
   ```
   If trapped in a room: seal cracks around door with wet towels/clothing, call emergency services, signal from window (wave bright cloth, use flashlight), never break window until absolutely necessary as it may let in smoke
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Assume 'fire-rated' elevator doors make it safe; but doors rated for fire resistance do not protect against smoke inhalation or power failure (95% fail)
- **** — Think elevator recall (firefighter mode) means it's safe for public; recall mode is for firefighters only, not civilian evacuation (90% fail)
- **** — Believe modern elevators have backup power so they work in fires; backup may power lights but not movement if cables or controls are damaged (85% fail)