Right now, pumpkins and skeletons are strewn around neighborhoods all across the country, but pretty soon that ghoulish imagery will be replaced with candy canes and and twinkly lights. That means that citizens are going to begin hitting their local malls in droves. It’s important to remember, though, that as increasing numbers of people clog commercial centers, safety must always remain paramount. A new report provides safety tips geared toward boarding and disembarking from elevators and escalators in the midst of the upcoming holiday season.
Escalators need to be approached with care, especially by people who are supervising children. Young kids aren’t used to the devices like adults are, and they might approach them the same way they would a toy. To make sure your young child isn’t going to be endangered, keep a hold of his or her hand during the ride, and make sure the kid doesn’t attempt to catch a ride aboard the handrail without having their feet firmly planted on the step. By the same token, children shouldn’t sit on the steps of the escalator, as that might also pose a danger.
When getting on or off an escalator, you should move swiftly and make sure that any objects you have on your person aren’t set down on the moving platform. Make sure your shoes are in such a condition that a part like a shoelace won’t get caught in the escalator’s teeth. To further avoid an entanglement risk, step, don’t slide, over the jagged edge at the bottom of the escalator. And if you’re piloting a stroller, a wheelchair, or some other type of conveyance, opt to take the elevator instead. It’s far too easy to lose a grip on such a device.
Elevators pose their own special dangers to those who aren’t careful. People sometimes rush directly into the elevator shaft without first verifying that the elevator has stopped properly. Take your time and make sure that the elevator is level with the floor you’re on and then quickly enter. Be sure to keep any objects or body parts away from closing doors. You’ll often see people attempt to hold the doors open for someone making their way there, but this could be hazardous if the bumper or sensor is broken. Instead, use the door open button to keep the doors ajar.
Finally, you need to know what to do should some type of emergency take place that causes the elevator to stop. First, don’t attempt to climb out of your own accord. Call for help using the available button or phone, and wait for emergency services to be dispatched before taking the type of action that might compromise your safety.