There are dozens of emergency ladders out there but which is the best non permanent fire escape ladder?
Before we dive into it, there are important aspects that you would like to consider before purchasing that emergency escape ladder.
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How Do I Choose The Best Fire Escape Ladder?
Now, you need to consider these 9 factors discussed below:
- How Big is the ladder when not in use? A compact and fold-able ladder will occupy less space in your home. Majority of us do not want additional items especially if they are going to occupy a lot of space in the home. A ladder that can be stored in a closet or under the bed will save a lot of home space.
- Rungs – they are better off with anti slip characteristics. Remember the evacuation will happen in a hurry and you do not want someone falling from height because they slipped.
- Ease of Use – how quick the ladder is to deploy matters a lot. Every second counts in an emergency situation. Delays should not emerge because the ladder you have is not deploying with ease. That could mean life or death or serious injuries. Your ladder should be easy to attach to your window frame for evacuation and roll down easily.
- The Length of the Ladder – how high is the window or emergency exit to he ground or safe location? How many storeys is your building? These will determine the length of your fire escape ladder. Generally, a storey is 14 feet high.
- Supported Weight – this has to do with the maximum tested weight the ladder can support. This is an important factor. Make sure the ladder can support all the members of the family at the same time.
- Flame Resistant – imagine a ladder that can easily be affected by flames or high temperatures! It would definitely not make sense to have it. To be a good emergency fire escape ladder, the material used to make the ladder must be flame proof. It will most likely be used in extreme high temperatures after all.
- Stabilizers – this feature helps to steady the ladder away and against the wall. A dangling ladder increases the chances of slipping and missing a step as people are evacuating.
- Hook Sizes – ensure you have known the dimensions of the your wall thickness especially around the windows which you intend to use the ladder. The hooks should be able to fit in well and support the weight of a person. If the hooks do not fit properly, you may introduce other unnecessary hazards like fall from height.
If the walls are a limitation to the type of ladder you have chosen, consider if a strong metal bar or eye bolts can be installed from which you can hook the ladder.
- Potential Users – children below 5 years may require adults to carry them. A rapid baby evacuation device bag can be very useful. Children above 5 years may need an adult to guide their feet. Additionally, the elderly and the disabled may require more than an emergency evacuation ladder. Factor these in your fire emergency plans.
Having said that, here is the best fire escape ladder and why we have chosen it.
What is the Best Fire Escape Ladder?
Hunting for your best emergency ladder is no longer an uphill task as this article has made it easier for you.
Our No. 1 choice that is a great addition to your family fire plan with customer rating of 4.6 ⭐️ out of 5 ⭐️
Kidde 468093 KL-2S Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder
Features
- ✔️ Anti-Slip Rungs
- ✔️ 13-Foot long – enough for a two storey house
- ✔️ Ladder tested up to 1000 lbs
- ✔️ It is easy to use
- ✔️ Ladder is flame resistant
- ✔️ Fits over a window sill of 11 inches maximum
- ✔️ 5 year warranty
What is a Fire Escape Ladder?
Most commercial buildings are constructed with a permanent fire escape ladder. However, in residential houses that do not have the ladder as part of the building, then a portable non permanent emergency evacuation ladder is a requisite.
Permanent Fixed Escape Ladder
Despite permanent ladders being in existence, fire could potentially cut them off from being used when they are needed most.
Portable fire escape ladders become the best alternative to the primary fixed ladders. Hence the benefits of a non fixed emergency evacuation ladder cut across for all buildings, whether they have a fixed escape ladder or not.
The hooks of the ladder are placed on the wall hanging outside the wall to a place of safety outside. The material used to make them range from metal or rope with consideration to strength and durability.
It is recommended to have one large window where persons can escape from in case of fire emergency situation. It is from this window, that the ladder will be placed and every one can run for their dear lives.
Remember to consider all members in the building as to whether they can all be able to use the portable fire escape ladder. If not, please put alternative measures or controls to address their safety. There are clear regulations on emergency escape ladder safety and fire evacuation that you can get for your State.
How Many Fire Escape Ladders Do I Need?
The National Fire Protection Association, recommends one ladder in every occupied room on floors above the main level. The minimum you can have if you stay in a two storey house is one emergency escape ladder.
You have about 100 seconds to escape before the fire is all over the house. Moreover, you are not stuck if the normal exits are blocked by fire and neither do you have to depend or wait for fire emergency services to get to a safe place.
However, in case you use the emergency escape ladder in a real fire situation, it is recommended you replace it. The heat may have compromised the strength integrity. It may be unsafe for resuse. If you must reuse, have it checked by a professional.
Final Verdict
The best fire escape ladder is meant to save lives. Practice regularly with members of your family or office on the the use of the ladder. You want it to be effective when the moment demands for it! Everyone should be ready. Figuring out everything in the midst of an emergency could be very costly and regrettable at the end.