Directions for prevention (34) Use the stairs for evacuation after an earthquake

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　On March 16, 2022, when an earthquake with an epicenter off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture hit Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures with an intensity of 6+ on the Japanese seismic scale, 41 cases of passengers being trapped in stopped elevators occurred in seven prefectures. During the earthquake on February 13, 2021, with an intensity of 6+ on the Japanese seismic scale in both prefectures, many elevators stopped working, and maintenance contractors were forced to respond to the situation.

　Modern elevators are designed to stop at the nearest floor when they detect an earthquake, but if you are in an elevator and feel a large tremor, press the buttons for all floors and get off at the floor where it stops. If you are trapped, please report it via the intercom.

　Avoid using elevators after the shaking has stopped. This is because aftershocks and power outages may cause them to stop working. Use the stairs to evacuate, and if an aftershock occurs while moving, hold on tightly to the handrails to prevent tumbling down.