• Confirm that there is a problem, particularly if you hear about it second hand.
• Check the STOP switch or button. Be sure it's in the normal "run" position.
• Check all keyed or restricted switches to be sure they're in their normal "run" positions.
• Check for doorway obstructions. This can include foreign matter in door sill grooves or objects blocking complete closure of the doors.
• Be sure you're receiving full power from your utility. Have a qualified person check to see if there is a tripped breaker on the main power supply.
  

Stalled elevators

• Contact people in the car. Make sure no one has accidentally activated the emergency STOP switch. If not, assure them that help is being called.
• Call your elevator service company and advise them that you have an entrapment.
• Continue communicating with people in the car. Assure them that they are in no danger, and remind them that they should remain in the car until help arrives. Advise them of the technician's estimated arrival time.
• DO NOT attempt to open elevator doors or any car-top doors. Wait for help to arrive. You can put yourself or passengers in severe peril if you attempt to remove passengers yourself.

Fires
Elevators should never be used during a fire except for firefighters or other specially trained people. The building stairways should be used as the exit route for people who may be in the building duing a fire emergency.

Earthquakes
In many earthquake prone areas of the country, local codes require special earthquake features on elevator systems. These may include seismic switches which detect movement and shut down the elevator.

Hurricanes

Before the Storm:

• Closing all vents and openings at the top of the hoistway to prevent water from entering the elevator shaft.
• Barricading the machine room, so that that no occupants are left in buildings that are reliant on elevators for egress.
• If buildings have elevators that are enclosed, managers should run each car to the center of the building, or to the top floor for two-story buildings.
• Elevators exposed to the outdoors should always be run to the floor below the top.

During the Storm:

• Refrain from using an elevator during the weather event as water can disable elevators and lead to dangerous passenger entrapments. 

• As soon as the weather has cleared, check for water on the control panels or in the machine room before restoring power. If water is found, do not resume operation until the elevator service provider conducts a thorough inspection.