diff --git a/code/modules/shuttle/emergency.dm b/code/modules/shuttle/emergency.dm
index 1573b39c8fe..101b39c26fd 100644
--- a/code/modules/shuttle/emergency.dm
+++ b/code/modules/shuttle/emergency.dm
@@ -522,12 +522,15 @@
 				setTimer(SSshuttle.emergency_escape_time * engine_coeff)
 				priority_announce("The Emergency Shuttle has left the station. Estimate [timeLeft(600)] minutes until the shuttle docks at Central Command.", null, null, "Priority")
 				INVOKE_ASYNC(SSticker, TYPE_PROC_REF(/datum/controller/subsystem/ticker, poll_hearts))
+				SSmapping.mapvote() //If no map vote has been run yet, start one.
+
+				if(!is_reserved_level(z))
+					CRASH("Emergency shuttle did not move to transit z-level!")
+
 				//Tell the events we're starting, so they can time their spawns or do some other stuff
 				for(var/datum/shuttle_event/event as anything in event_list)
 					event.start_up_event(SSshuttle.emergency_escape_time * engine_coeff)
 
-				SSmapping.mapvote() //If no map vote has been run yet, start one.
-
 		if(SHUTTLE_STRANDED, SHUTTLE_DISABLED)
 			SSshuttle.checkHostileEnvironment()