That's SOP for elevator emergencies. The only safe place in an elevator shaft is inside the safe metal box. That box almost never drops uncontrollably, because

That's SOP for elevator emergencies. The only safe place in an elevator shaft is inside the safe metal box. That box almost never drops uncontrollably, because there are at least three independent systems to prevent such a thing. Just wait for the local firefighters or repairman to come open the doors for you.