AboutFrank Billington Expertise Let me help you determine the most effective place to
install your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors,
fire extinguishers, and other home fire safety equipment.
I can give you tips on home fire and safety inspection. So
often the poor placement and care of life safety tools
results in loss of life and property that could so easily
be avoided. As a firefighter since 1993, I am intimately
familiar with fire behavior, and steps you can take to
protect yourself and your family.
Experience I have been in firefighting since 1993. I determined to become a firefighter at the age of 11, and achieved that goal. But God and my family come first.
Question my son moved into the fourth floor very old apartment building. he has two smaller windows. there is a gutter or roofing with a gutter beneath his windows. what kind of escape ladder can i purchase for him that he could use in an emergency?
Answer Hello Susan.
Is the section of roofing beneath his window large enough to escape onto, so that he could for example move to a different location on the roof?
Rescue ladders, typically made of chain or heavy rope, with rungs made of fiberglass or aluminum, are relatively easy to find online and at some large retailers. Simply do a web search for 'rescue ladder' or 'fire escape ladder'.
Finding a ladder to reach four or more stories is a little harder, but I quickly turned up a company that makes ladders reaching up to six stories. Understand I am not specifically recommending this company, I am only providing the link for your use as an example. Whether you buy from them or someone else is entirely up to you. The link:
The hooks on the top end of a rescue ladder should hold when hung on a firmly-constructed windowsill, even if the ladder has to extend laterally a bit to go over an overhang or gutter. If this lateral reach is significant, you may want to go with a ladder longer than four stories, but depending on the circumstances it may not be absolutely necessary for the ladder to reach the ground, either. You can use a section of cheap utility rope to measure the distance from the windowsill to the ground and then decide what ladder would work best for your situation.
If the roof/gutter section under the window is large enough, do not discount the options presented for escape that open up if he can get out and move to other parts of the roof, there may be easier escape options... but you know the building and situation, all I can do is guess.
Hope this helps, please let me know if I can clarify or assist further. Don't forget the smoke detectors... including one in the hallway outside his apartment if one is not already provided. It's always nice to have extra time to get out.
