Kidde Fire Escape Ladder, 2-Story Rope Ladder, Extends to 13-Feet, Anti-Slip Rungs

TBH, I have not actually deployed this escape ladder from a burning building and I hope never to actually do so.The device seems well made and dependable, and I am including a few facts from the product insert that don't "leap off the page" in the online advertisement. These are purely informational and not intended to be criticisms.You should practice mounting the ladder from a window or two to try it for fit and examine your intended escape paths, but do not deploy it except in event of emergency use. It is carefully assembled and packaged to neatly deploy the escape ladder and trying to re-pack it could go badly for you.It has a load capacity of 1,000 pounds, so more than one person can be descending it at a time.The manufacturer recommends replacing it after 15 (fifteen) years; the manufacturing month and year is stamped into the bottom of the lowest rung where it can easily be seen. Mine was stamped in 10/2023 which seems acceptably recent. I would be of a mind to insist on return/replacement if it was 5+ years old already.Kidde has a warranty on the ladder for 5 years from the date of purchase.Don't leave it in direct sun or store in high temperatures.

This improves on standard rope ladder in several ways I'll explain. Great ladder - but!The manual says that once the ladder is deployed it cannot be used again. I say that's hogwash! For younger kids there is a lot of complexity to getting this ladder out the window (even getting the screen busted out or cut - which we didn't practice) is hard.The design is excellent - but the hooks pivot/bend in them middle AND swivel - and the little feet on the back of the aluminum treads catch the window frame. It takes PRACTICE to know what you're doing! I had my 7 year old do it 3 times, and got down to 45 seconds to deployment (not counting clearing the dresser), and my 5 year old (strong and confident and smart) took a great deal of practice and teaching and on his third try got it down to 1min. It's no joke, PLEASE practice with this thing. I can imagine children failing to deploy this, or losing the whole thing put the window while trying. (even if you never use it, it's good mindset and activity for the family. It took an hour.)The manual says it is single-use because the rope is folded in between the treads in a certain way. It's not magic or hard. It's not easy either, but any adult can put it away properly after use.First we explained deployment and circumstances of when we would use the ladder. (probably never will, but there's only 1 exit from their roon, of course.) then we had them practice climbing UP to their room. This was a hoot, and all the eligible kids participated - but rope ladders are pretty tricky until you get the hang of it. HIGHLY recommended you have kids do this before it's the real thing. One of the boys was really intimidated and moving his body wrong - he got tired and wanted to quit. We stuck to it, they got it, then it was fun. Really glad there wasn't a fire. At the moment ;).I got this because the previous ladder was round fiberglass steps. The fiberglass gives you slivers, the steps SPUN under your feet, round steps lay flat against the house and making it very difficult to get a purchase with your feet. Not to mention there was no anchor - so I had a large dowel through the eyes at the top of the ladder. It worked, but not like this ladder.This has hooks inside that hold very well, and on the outside that hold the ladder away from the house (key factor), and act like pool ladder handles. The treads and rope are light, and they have good structure for the foot and little braces that hold the tread away from the house. This is key!Ladder held 200 pounds just fine. (rated for 1000 - it will hold you.) It swings less than the other ladder, but the treads can tilt.Climbing tips: Keep your weight (esp your butt) near the ladder, and use legs to push rather than arms to pull. It feels safe to get your head over your hands, but reach hands up and holding/pulling above your head - it really helps keep your weight near the ladder. Keep your toes up against the building and that keeps you solid and steady.Deployment tips: practice! These hooks and ladder are FIDDLY to get out the window. Get the steps out the window, then get the hooks established (outside/red ones first). For kids, DON'T shove it all the way out! First pull the velcro deployment tab. They CAN reach it, but it's far down there and once the hooks are in place I don't think an adult could reach it.If this helps, please click that helpful button.

Nice Compact Ladder, well built. Haven't had to use it and hope we never do. But I feel confident in it. Bought it for my Daughter so I definitely trust it.

I feel a lot better having this in my girls closet. The only reason I am reading it 4 instead of 5 stars is because it is a bit heavy for a kids ladder. I wish they could make it out of lighter material because I think in the case of a real fire, my 7 yr old would have a hard time Getting this set up out their window. I definitely think it's still worth buying and having foreign emergency. Our room is next-door so if this was ever needed, I would hope that I would be available to help get it set up.

Bought for my daughters apartment and she feels much safer. It is heavy and might be difficult for some to place.

The fire escape upstairs ladder is an absolute must-have for safety, and I couldn't be more satisfied with my purchase. It's well-constructed and feels incredibly sturdy, giving me peace of mind knowing it's there in case of an emergency. The ladder is compact and easy to store, but when needed, it deploys quickly and efficiently, making it simple to use even in high-stress situations.One thing I really appreciate is how well-designed the hooks are—they securely attach to the windowsill, providing a stable escape route. The ladder rungs are also slip-resistant, which adds an extra layer of safety when climbing down.Overall, this fire escape ladder is an essential safety tool that I hope I never have to use, but I'm glad to have it on hand. Highly recommended—5 stars!

Fits under my kids bed and we shown them how to use it just in case. Quality is great and durable.

Compact and sturdy. Great piece of mind to have it handy.