Open. Throw. Go.

House fires strike daily. In 2007 alone, there were an estimated 399,000 reported home structure fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Surprisingly, one-third of American households estimated that they would have at least six minutes to escape before a house fire became life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less than that.

Households with second- or third-story sleep areas are particularly vulnerable. Since stairways are usually not accessible during a fire, the best solution is to equip your home with fire escape ladders. But before you purchase this potentially life-saving piece of equipment, here’s what you should know:

• Plan to purchase an emergency fire escape ladder for every second- or third-story room where people sleep.
• Measure the depth and width of the windows where the ladders will be used. The goal is to make sure the ladder fits securely over the open window.
• Choose the correct ladder length, either 15 or 25 feet. While a 15-foot ladder is adequate for most two-story rooms, you will need 25 feet to accommodate a third-story escape.
• Select an escape ladder that has adequate standoffs. This is the part of the ladder that actually holds the ladder rungs away from the side of the house. Standoffs are important because they help steady the ladder when a person is descending. It’s best to choose a ladder with many standoffs.
• Check to be sure that the escape ladder can accommodate at least 1,000 pounds. Remember, you could have more than one person descending at the same time.
• Choose a ladder that deploys quickly, is easy to use, and perhaps most important, one that is child-friendly.
• Practice your escape using the ladder. If the ladder will be used in your child’s room, make sure he or she is able to put the ladder out the window. Always practice from a first-floor window.
• Keep your escape ladder in a place that is readily accessible, perhaps folded in a box near the window where it will be used.
• Accompany any emergency ladder purchase with a home escape plan. Make sure that every family member is included in the planning process.

Be sure to check out the ABCO Fire Summer Promotion for more information.  Check out the NIFAST store for fire escape ladders and other safety products.

ABCO Fire Protection, is a regional provider of fire protection services in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania.
ABCO provides fire safety products that protect life and property.