A residential fire escape ladder can save your life. These ladders should also be part of your home safety arsenal. A fire can totally engulf your home in under a minute. Even with smoke and fire alarms and fire extinguishers a fire can still get out of control or you can still be overcome with smoke and unable to feel through the door. You should have a fire escape ladder made by one of the manufacturers that specializes in residential egress products.

Your fire escape ladder need not be costly. You need one that is sturdy and durable but that doesn't mean it can't be economical as well. Fixed structure ladders are the best emergency ladders as you won't have to hunt them down or assemble them - you can just climb down to safety.

There are many styles of residential fire escape ladders. You can choose from chain and rung ladders designed for 2-3 stories, or those that can reach up to 5 story heights. You may prefer an interior permanent ladder, an exterior permanent ladder, a collapsible access ladder, a step stool with extend and climb features, a permanent egress ladder for lower levels, or an exterior permanent ladder that is retractable. A nice residential accessory to your fire escape ladder and safety plan is a fixed escape balcony.

You can also purchase a complete residential emergency fire escape kit that not only comes equipped with a heavy duty ladder made of steel chain and plastic sleeves up to 35 feet that are tangle free, but also has a smoke hood and the opportunity to order additional hoods, to chemical sticks and a horn to let rescuers know where you are.