The National Fire Protection Association recommends escape ladders for every occupied room above the first floor of a home or building. The portable models store easily under beds, in closets or by windows. Permanent escape ladders come in sizes suitable mainly for commercial buildings; however, some folded, permanently mounted ladders fit into the inside wall for easy access from a home.

Homes or buildings without a code specified fire escape need the safety that escape ladders provide. They come in steel, aluminum and nylon with various types of rungs and mountings. When viewing an escape ladders list of products consider the following:

1. Determine if economical, portable escape ladders suit your purpose better than permanent models.

2. Consider the type of commercial escape ladder that fits your building and budget from several available models.

3. Inquire about wholesale pricing or discounts on large orders of escape ladders.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy wholesale escape ladders online for extra savings

Get sizes that include two- or three-story, 25-foot ladders tested up to 1,000 lbs or a 15-foot steel constructed ladder that supports 1,125 lbs.

I recommend: Go to Westside Wholesale for three- and two-story escape ladders or a 14-foot steel emergency ladder. Click “Kidde_408 # 468094: 25’ 3 Story Escape Ladder” at Capitol Supply, with deeper discounts when ordering 20 or more ladders.

Go to an escape ladders provider offering many choices

Locate providers that carry fire escape ladders useful for up to five stories, 50-foot portable protection or a permanent escape ladder. Permanent ladders recess into the interior wall or attach to the outside wall with fold-up and fixed models. Some offer an added protected cage and handrails.

I recommend: Go to Resculite for various sized portable and permanent fire and rescue ladders with tiered pricing on some models, or phone the number on the page for large quantity discounts. Go to Fire Escape Systems and scroll through the escape ladders directory to choose a sub-category that includes portable and permanent fire escape ladders.

Find escape ladders for your commercial building

These ladders go the extra distance and are applicable for commercial buildings. Choose from various heights up to 300 feet.

I recommend: Buy online a 20-gauge steel commercial ladder good for 35-foot, four story buildings at R.E. Williams Contractor; scroll to larger sizes and click “ResQLadder 50’ 5-6 stories” or other commercial ladders from the escape ladders list. Contact JOMY from the escape ladders information located at the bottom of the page for a retractable emergency exit or rescue aluminum ladder with heights from 11 to 45 feet. The company provides models with additional heights up to 300 feet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Measure each window size, both height/width and windowsill depth, to assure correct fitting when ordering escape ladders.
• •  Check out the escape ladders information for standoffs that allow separation and stabilization between the ladder and the wall. Note the storage space needed for portables and interior permanent models.