Home Fire Escape Ladders

photo: Brookstone, Inc.

The easiest way out of your home is not always the safest way out during a fire. Portable fire escape ladders will provide an alternate escape route from second or third story windows. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one ladder in every occupied room on floors above the main level. Listed below are some safety tips for developing a multi-story home escape plan:

• Create a written fire escape plan that includes two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside. ( Home Escape Plan pdf)
• Check to make sure all doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Make arrangements in your escape plan for family members that may have special needs (i.e., infants, elderly or disabled).
• Install smoke alarms inside and outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. Mark the location of each smoke alarm on your escape plan.
• Test smoke alarms monthly using a broom handle to reach test buttons and replace batteries yearly. Use the end of daylight savings time, which is the first Sunday of November each year as a reminder. When you change your clocks, change the batteries in your smoke alarms.
• Purchase an escape ladder(s) to provide a second way out from the second or third floor.
• Practice setting up the ladder from a first floor window so you learn how to do it quickly and correctly.
• Every family member (including children) must be able to escape from upper floor(s). Children should only practice with adults present, and only from a first-story window.
• Store the ladder near the window, in an easily accessible location. You don't want to have to search for it during a fire.
• If your smoke alarm sounds, get out immediately. Do not stop to rescue pets or personal possessions.
• In case of fire, crawl low under the smoke to your exit. Get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.
• Once you're out, stay out! If someone is missing, inform the fire department. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.
• If you become trapped, close the doors between you and the fire. Stuff the cracks around the doors and cover air vents to keep smoke out. Signal out the window using a blanket or sheet to alert others that you are trapped.
• Teach family members how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency for police, fire and paramedics.
• Practice your fire escape plan with all family members at least twice a year.

Escape ladders are available for purchase through many retailers, including hardware and major department stores. Listed below are some suppliers that offer two-story and three-story home escape ladders that may be purchased on line:

Sears: www.sears.com

BRK Brands: www.brkelectronics.com

Brookstone: www.brookstone.com

First Alert: www.firstalert.com

Kidde: www.kiddeus.com

Resculite: resculite.com

Fire Escape Systems: www.fireescapesystems.com