When the Fire’s Below, How Do You Escape from Above

You live in a multi-story home. Some or all of the bedrooms are located on the upper floor. If a fire erupts, your homeowner’s insurance will certainly prove valuable. But let’s consider a more important question — your family’s safety. Specifically, if the fire blocks the normal exits such as stairways, how will those on the upper floors — especially small children — escape the flames?

Unless your home’s structure includes built-in fire escape systems, one item on your personal home escape plan — every homeowner’s key to home fire safety — needs to be the procurement of home escape ladders. Whether you decide to purchase yours from a safety supply store, hardware store, home improvement warehouse or the Internet, there are a couple of key considerations to keep in mind:

• There are two standard lengths: 15 and 25 feet. Be certain the length is adequate to reach the ground from the window.
• Generally, construction is aluminum or heavy plastic, with rigid bars as the ladder rungs. The more standoffs a ladder has, the better. Standoffs are protruding bars that prevent the ladder from hanging flat against the house. They not only steady the ladder, but also increase the available space for gaining footholds.
• Be sure the ladder fits your specific windows. The hooks or other attachments intended to hold the ladder must work with the intended window location.
• Don’t overlook the weight and complexity of the operation, specifically considering the age and abilities of the likely users (such as younger children).
• Have the intended user practice deploying and descending the ladder. If it is clearly a problem now, consider how much more difficult it may prove to be under the duress and panic of an actual fire. If necessary, return the ladder for a more suitable model. READ FULL ARTICLE