Tips for the Trapped

· Don't panic. Take a few deep breaths, and remind yourself that there's plenty of oxygen in the car. Then do whatever makes you feel comfortable - hum your favorite tunes, do stretching exercises, read any book or magazine you may have with you.

· Contact the outside world. Every elevator should have an alarm button and an intercom or phone. In large buildings, an onsite custodian should respond to your call within five minutes.

· Sit down. Some people have fallen when the elevator suddenly restarted.

· Don't worry about being in the dark. Lighting runs on a separate circuit. Even if it does go out, there is a backup system that would kick in for up to four hours.

· Stay put. Never attempt to open the doors or crawl out of the opening on the roof of the car. The elevator could start moving again with fatal results. Wait until a qualified mechanic or rescue personnel comes to your aid