Experts warn that you might have less than four minutes to safely exit your home if building materials or belongings catch fire. It may become difficult to leave if you’re on the second or third floor when this happens. Fortunately, portable fire-escape ladders can greatly increase the likelihood of survival. A rapid departure minimizes smoke inhalation and allows firefighters to focus on extinguishing the blaze.
If you decide to purchase this equipment, be sure to select a product carefully. Don’t sacrifice crucial safety features to save a few dollars. Try to choose a model with a design that will let you attach, deploy and use it as quickly as possible. It’s also important to ensure that a ladder will fit the desired window and permit you to reach the ground without falling more than a couple feet. Click here for the Top 10 Best Fire Escape Ladders.
Choosing The Right Size Ladder
Manufacturers design most portable ladders for windows on a home’s second or third floor. Nonetheless, you can also find longer models that allow people to escape from buildings up to six stories tall. Actual lengths vary; one major brand’s two-story ladders measure 13 feet long, and another company sells 15-foot units. Two extra feet might seem insignificant, but a slightly taller model could prevent kids or elderly residents from suffering injuries.
Carefully measure windows before purchasing this device. Check the package or product description for details on the minimum and maximum dimensions. Some models only attach to windows that measure up to 11 or 14 inches deep. The window’s width also holds importance. For instance, one popular brand sells two portable escape ladders that fit windows measuring a minimum of 16 inches wide.
Required Weight Capacity
Most models support up to 1,000 pounds. Some fairly expensive units can handle slightly more weight. On the other hand, the capacity of each rung varies to a greater degree. It ranges from about 375 to 750 pounds. Look for a comparatively high limit if several people might need to escape at the same time or you have a family member who weighs over 375 pounds.
Some Important Safety Features
Two important features can prevent falls and help you reach the ground more swiftly. Choose a ladder with rectangular or textured anti-slip rungs. Some basic units only have round metal rungs with slippery, uncomfortable surfaces. This flaw can make it difficult to practice using a ladder. Keep in mind that you might not be wearing shoes when you need to escape from your house.
It’s best to select a product with stabilizers or standoffs. Manufacturers use these two words interchangeably. This feature creates a space between the rungs and your home’s siding. Consequently, there’s extra room for your feet and the ladder becomes more stable. Standoffs could also prevent you from accidentally damaging glass or siding as you practice using this equipment.
Materials Used In Construction
When they manufacture these ladders, most companies use steel and nylon or another kind of plastic. A few brands have replaced steel with aluminum. This metal weighs relatively little, so it’s easier for children to lift and deploy the equipment. It also reduces the cost of shipping these products. On the other hand, steel resists heat and flames with greater success than aluminum.
ASTM Certification
Consider buying a model that meets or exceeds the ASTM F2175 standard. Well-made units qualify for this certification if they comply with 17 requirements established by the American Society for Testing and Materials. For instance, certified products have properly spaced and adequately thick rungs. They also meet criteria regarding heat resistance, weight capacity, stability and deployment speed. The federal government doesn’t require escape ladder manufacturers to follow this standard.
Manufacturers Warranties
A long-term guarantee could help you save money if this product fails prematurely. Numerous portable ladders come with warranties that remain in effect for five, six or 10 years. Some brands provide lifetime guarantees. Single-use models and poorly designed units tend to include shorter warranties. The prosperity and longevity of a manufacturer hold importance as well. You can’t return a faulty product after the company ceases to exist.
Placement Within The Home
To maximize safety, put these ladders in all rooms above the first story. Prioritize the bedrooms; it will probably take you longer to react to a fire if you’re sleeping. Always keep a portable ladder in an uncluttered area near your window. Don’t store it next to an appliance, heater or lamp. Some people conserve space by putting this equipment under their beds.
You might want to buy several ladders if your second floor contains multiple bedrooms and a home office or exercise room. Unfortunately, stores normally don’t sell packages of two or more units. If you want to cut costs, try to find a store coupon that offers “$20 off $100” or a similar discount. You may also minimize any shipping costs by ordering multiple products at the same time.
Ease of Use
It’s crucial to be able to rapidly deploy a ladder without becoming confused. Don’t assume that you’ll instantly understand how to use this equipment when you have it in your hands. If you can find a product’s instructions on the internet, take the time to read them before making a purchase. Count the number of steps and assess their complexity. Do the directions seem clear and specific? It’s best if instruction sheets provide both pictures and text.
People find some models much easier to use than others. Don’t forget to read several reviews of each product. Avoid ladders that tangle easily, have confusing setup procedures or occupy too much storage space. Some units have unnecessarily complex hooks. You may need to re-read the directions and practice repeatedly before you can successfully mount them on a windowsill.
The weight and dimensions of a portable ladder also affect its ease of use. Most models weigh 6 to 21 pounds. Strong, healthy adults probably don’t need to worry about this factor. However, a frail senior or young child may find it difficult to deploy a bulky unit that weighs 18 pounds. A person might not survive if he or she has to wait for assistance or struggle to move a ladder in smoky conditions.
Reusable vs One Time Use Models
You can reuse most portable ladders. On the other hand, a few models are disposable; you may only deploy them once. They cost less than half as much as high-quality reusable products. Nevertheless, the savings become negligible if you need to buy replacements because of a small fire. Keep in mind that you might not be able to recover reusable ladders after a major blaze. Either way, the expense is often insignificant in comparison to other fire-related losses.
Practice Using Your Escape Ladder
It’s wise to practice using your new escape ladder. Remember to thoroughly read the instructions before taking action. The biggest downside of a disposable product is that you can’t fully test the equipment or use it to practice climbing. However, you may prepare for an emergency by temporarily attaching the hooks to a windowsill. Be careful not to release the ladder.
If you purchase a reusable unit, you can practice deploying it, climbing through the window and descending to the ground. You may have difficulty at first; it’s harder to use than a traditional ladder. Beware of any strings or wires near the window. Teach family members to set up and climb down the ladder as well. Consider using a first-story window for your initial practice session, especially if you have children.
It’s crucial to select an easy-to-use product with suitable dimensions. You may achieve better results if you also choose a reusable ladder that meets the ASTM F2175 standard, includes a long-lasting warranty and has anti-slip rungs with standoffs. The weight capacity is only important for some families. After you acquire this equipment, careful practice and proper placement are vital to success.
Additional Resources:
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