Disaster Planning: Fire Escape Ladders
A fire escape is an integral part of the house. It is especially useful when the fire becomes uncontrollable. You may benefit from smoke alarms and fire extinguishers but when the hallways are already eaten up by fire and we are already blinded and intoxicated by the smoke, we have no other choice but to escape to safety. Fires are highly destructive. More alarming is the fact that it can cause major injuries and death. As responsible homeowners, we need to look for a fire escape ladder that is sturdy and functional and very reliable in cases of fire.
You do not need to buy the most expensive fire escape ladder in the market. All you need is to check its durability and sturdiness. The best type is the fixed structure fire escape ladder. This type does not need any assembling. When you have this type of fire escape ladder, all you need is to get down and go to a safer place. As this is permanently attached to your house, it is ever present in times of emergency.
Other types of fire escape ladders for our residences are the chain and rung fire escape ladder, permanent interior fire escape ladder, permanent exterior fire escape ladder, collapsible fire escape ladder, and retractable fire escape ladder. The chain and rung fire escape ladder is ideal for multi-storey houses or buildings.
In the case of apartments, fire escapes vary from simple ladders to wider steps depending on how high the building is. It is also required by the city building law to incorporate fire escapes in any building structure. This is mainly for the safety of the residents during fire.
Some companies who sell fire protection equipment offer fire escape kits which include a heavy duty fire escape ladder that reaches up to 40 feet in length when assembled, smoke hoods to protect our heads and faces from smoke, and chemical sticks and horns to help fire and emergency personnel in locating us during rescue operations.
Additional tips to take note of are ensuring that all members of the family are acquainted on what should be done in case of a fire and emergency contact numbers to call. Take time to do a fire drill like what is done in public buildings and offices. And like in other forms of disaster, it is best to remain calm but alert.
From the information above, we cannot overemphasize the importance of fire escape ladders in our homes. These structures will help us and our loved ones escape to safety and may also be used by fire escape personnel in putting out the fire to at least save a few of our properties.