We have a landline just for our elevator.

Thank you Caroline, I canceled out landline about a year ago. Perhaps I should look at this again.

Use the cell phone and make sure everyone who uses the elevator has a phone I do not think it needs to have a land line now that everyone has a cell. Maybe explain a bit more about the use of the elevator.

Your cable service may already include a phone line.

Thank you @RES2, but I canceled both cable and landline at the same time!

The purpose of the phone is to allow anyone to call out if he is stuck in the elevator due to a power failure or failure of the elevator itself. Carrying a cellphone won't cut it; what if you forget it or the battery dies or you can't get a signal? A landline is the best solution as it is powered by the phone company and will function even if there's a power failure. If you have cable or fiberoptic (e.g., Verizon FiOS) with phone service and battery backup that would work during a power failure, that might be satisfactory.

We have a landline in ours.

What does your local jurisdiction or state require for inspections on residential elevators? Yearly, semi-annually, 5 year, etc? And what do they say about not having a landline?

I'll need to check on inspection requirements.

Feels like an opportunity here. My security system upgraded to a cell signal when we removed our land line -it's a dedicated line and a few bucks a month. Likely same here - maybe contact an alarm company?

I think the alarm system add on would be a great one. and yes I guess you do need to know what is code in your area. As for the cell phone thing how many floors does this elevator serve I have clients with an elevator from the carport to the main floor of the house and they hav an intercom system since the elevator can't be used unless someone is home so maybe a bit mor einfo.

I will check into the security system. That's a great idea! The elevator services 4 floors.

The problem is, landlines are being phased out. Currently only AT&T offers this service, and, quite frankly, the service the offer is LOUSY. I'm actively looking around for an alternative. Having a landline in our elevator isn't going to be much good to us if the line isn't working most of the time (though they're charging us for it like clockwork).

Could you get a cell phone that ”lives” in the elevator? It could have only a few numbers in the contacts list, including the elevator service, family members, emergency. Perhaps a ”burner” type phone. It would have to stay plugged in somewhere there, though. I don’t know if elevators allow that.

"Burner" phone is exactly what our elevator supplier, Federal, suggested as an alternative to a land line.

Of course, you will have to check regularly that the battery is charged.

tello.com offers a voice-only plan for $5. Combine that with an unlocked $50 flip phone or old cellphone you have lying around.

Being trapped in an elevator is dangerous (along with more than a bit of anxiety or panic attacks for some people). There needs to be a guaranteed full-time always functioning phone. A phone that's not working because someone forgot to change the battery wouldn't be of much good.

A landline (POTS) is the most reliable and best option.

Second best would be something like an Ooma or similar internet based phone that supports a POTS phone with it and the network on a good power backup system so that it will still work during a power outage.

Our Federal elevator had its first failure.

Fortunately, no one in it as it refused to move or open doors.

When I called "emergency" service, I got an answering machine that promised to call back within an hour or two.

An elevator mechanic arrived the next day, found a manufacturing defect and reluctantly agreed that the emergency service was poor.

The Owner's Manual (link) has five detailed pages of what to do in case of power failure or emergencies. Which, of course, only works if there's some adult at home outside the elevator prepared to study up!

Coincidentally, an elevator at the deepest transit station in Canada--20 storeys from street to train--had failed (link) the day before. The mechanic hadn't been aware of that and avidly read the story. Then he confessed he preferred escalators!

I now only use the elevator for moving equipment and supplies from floor-to-floor. And am leaving a copy of the Owner's Manual near the hydraulics.

Keep some snacks, bottled water, and a bucket in the elevator for emergencies.

And a copy of War and Peace.