How to Install an Emergency Escape Ladder

Everyone worries about a fire in the home, particularly when children are involved. As is the case in most emergencies, practice and preparation determine your likelihood of surviving an emergency. Knowing how to install an emergency fire escape ladder is critical for your piece of mind. Familiarize yourself with these steps so you and your family can rest a little easier.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the ladders you've purchased. Review the weight limits and full instructions prior to use. Determine where you will keep the ladders let everyone in the family know.

2. Place the ladder grips over the sill of a first floor window and unroll the ladder steps. This is done by throwing the remainder straight out. The ladder will unroll as it falls to the ground.

3. Go outside and tug on the ladder to insure the hooks that secure the ladder are in place. If the grips are not secure or do not work with your windows, return the ladder to the manufacturer and purchase one that will function for your specific needs. Continue with the new ladder.

4. Practice exiting the window and climbing down the ladder. Always practice from a safe distance so if someone falls, they are not injured.

5. Consider the need for standoffs for younger children. These small brackets keep the ladder steps from swinging in toward the home, giving the ladder more stability.

6. Place one emergency escape ladder in every bedroom and teach each person how to escape safely.