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Using A Ladder To Escape Fire

A strategically placed ladder can be a lifesaver in the case of an emergency. When there is a home fire the first instinct is to escape the second floor using the stairs. The laws of nature involving how a fire behaves however dictate against attempting to use this route of escape. Here we explore why this is exactly the wrong thing to do. 

As a home is engulfed in flames the fire spreads following the path of least resistance and seeking the availability of oxygen. Rather than burn through walls and ceilings, if there is an easier path, the flames will follow that route. This is one reason why stairs are so dangerous in fires.  Not only do the flames lap at the structure destroying the stairs themselves, but also sucks up the oxygen vital for the life of both human occupant and intruding fire. In addition, the toxic fumes released during a fire often rise to the top where they can overcome an individual that may become trapped in an upper stairway. 

For these reasons, it is preferable to seek escape from the upper story of a home through a window via ladder. Fire officials recommend that a ladder be placed on each side of the upstairs of a home where they are easily accessed in the case of an emergency.  Fire travels quickly and often splits the upstairs at the staircase. To escape the deadly fumes, heat and flames it is essential that the ladder meet some minimum requirements. 

It is best if the ladder can be stored unobtrusively in a small space near a window. The upstairs bedrooms are often reserved for the children in a family. For this reason the ladder must be lightweight and easy to handle. Though small in storage, the ladder must be long enough to reach the ground where it will be safely anchored while occupants escape. There are several types of ladders on the market that meet these requirements but some are easier to operate than others.  To be assured of a safe route out of the house from the upper floors it is essential that the escape be practiced using safe methods and the guidance of an adult when there is no emergency.  

Every family should have a fire emergency plan that consists of three parts, Planning, Practice, and Evaluation.

Plan to be safe with equipment -

• Equip the house with smoke detectors and heat alarms
• Purchase the correct type of fire extinguishers
• Place the correct ladder in an accessible place
• Keep flammable materials properly stored or better yet, dispose of them properly

Plan to keep your family safe  -

• Hold at least 4 family meetings a year to discuss emergency plans
• Make sure everyone knows of at least two routes of escape from each room
• Make sure windows can be easily opened and that they are big enough for escape
• Make sure everyone knows where to gather upon exit from the house.

 Practice the plan -

• Test the alarm batteries and the extinguisher at least twice a year
• Have everyone practice operating the escape ladder
• Hold fire drills then practice getting out of the house with a blindfold on
• Practice keeping low to the ground during the escape process to avoid breathing the fumes
• Practice stop, drop and roll technique in case someone’s clothing does catch fire

 Evaluate the plan –

• Were the batteries in the equipment working
• Did the fire extinguishers work properly
• Did the windows and other escape mechanisms work properly
• Were the upstairs occupants able to locate and operate the escape ladder
• Did everyone remember to leave the house immediately
• Did occupants gather and remain at the correct location

 By practicing the response to a simulated emergency people become more comfortable with performing the proper actions under the stress of the drill which will be less than the stress of working against the time given by fire in real life. The idea is to make safety consciousness second nature to avoid deadly mistakes in case of an emergency.

 Author Lindy Smith, owner of http://www.giantladder.us , writes about home safety and improvement projects and ways the use of a Little Giant Ladder can enhance both safety for the homeowner and professionals in all construction and home improvement categories. Even the tallest Little Giant Ladder can be easily stored in a small space and is easy to employ in emergency escape situations.

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