Elevator Safety and Self Defense
Elevators can be dangerous places. Enclosed places cut off from other people and any possible help. Here are some ways to lower your chances of being attacked on an elevator.
If at all possible, only use the elevator when you have someone you trust to go with you. It could cause a predator to avoid targeting you.
Before using the elevator, or for that matter, before you go anywhere, put yourself in a defensive mindset. Be prepared to defend yourself. Give yourself permission to do whatever is necessary to fight off an attacker. Including using violence.
The next step is to be aware of your surroundings. Watch what others are doing. Pay attention. Use your threat awareness skills to pick up on an attacker’s pre-attack cues. The sooner you pick up on those cues, the more time you have to react to the attack. (Pre-attack cues are discussed in the video below.)
Don’t stand too close to the elevator when you’re waiting for it. Someone could push you in and corner you. Also, someone already in the elevator could grab you and pull you in.
Observe the elevator interior before entering. Wait for the next elevator if you are uncertain of any occupant.
If the elevator is empty when you get on, push the “close door “button immediately after entering. Rude? Maybe. But it’ll keep possible predators from getting on with you.
If the doors don’t close fast enough and a suspicious person enters after you, exit before the door closes. (If you feel weird just walking out, you can always mumble that you forgot your briefcase, or sun block, or whatever.)
Likewise, if the elevator stops before your floor and someone enters that makes you feel uncomfortable, get off the elevator. Take a different one to your floor.
When it comes to where to stand while on the elevator, there are two schools of thought. Most people’s advice is to stand near the buttons where you are in control of the panel.
However, in the video below (Elevator Safety with Tony Blauer) he advises you to not stand near the buttons and shows why. Watch the video and then decide what would work best for you.
There is no reason for anyone in the elevator to push the STOP button. If someone does, be ready to strike and defend yourself.
If you are attacked in the elevator and have the opportunity, press ALL buttons. But don’t stop defending yourself from the attack to do so. Keep fighting for your life.
Do NOT press the emergency button. That makes the elevator STOP and now you’re stuck.
Before exiting from the elevator, observe the corridor for suspicious activity.
If someone gets off the elevator with you, watch to see if they are following you. Their destination may be in the same direction as you. Or, they may be waiting for the right time to attack. So be aware.
If they do start following you, you could say something like “I forgot I was supposed to visit my friend,” or “Oops. The office I want is the other way,” and head in the opposite direction. Keep your eye on them as you do. If they turn around with you, or move toward you, it’s time to defend yourself.
The following are tips from otis.com about being safe on the elevator that don’t pertain to self defense, but are still good to know.
If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, push the DOOR OPEN button. If the doors still don’t open, ring the ALARM button and/or use the telephone or intercom. Wait until qualified people can assist you.
If the elevator should stop between floors…
- Push or pull the ALARM button to call for assistance.
- Phone for help if a phone is available. An intercom or hands-free phone may be available. Follow the instructions for their use.
- Do not force open the elevator doors. Do not attempt to leave the elevator.
- Be patient — help is on the way. You are safe and there is plenty of air. So relax and wait for help.
Remember… whenever you go out in public, get in a defensive mindset and turn on those awareness skills. And use them to keep yourself safer where ever you are.
~ Shereen
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