We own a multi-story home in the mountains. California wildfires have been more frequent, larger, and more devastating in the past, few years due to our extreme drought conditions and high winds (among other factors). We were concerned that our children might be stuck on the top floors with no way to escape if the stairs were engulfed in flames. The only way out: through the windows two or three stories high.These escape ladders would solve that problem for them: take them out of the box, attach to the window rim, unlock the steps, and climb down. We did a couple test runs and coached them to ALWAYS have 3 points of contacts on the ladder: meaning, there are 2 hands and 2 feet -- always keep 3 of those limbs on the ladder while moving. Learned this trick from ice climbing.WARNING: Packaging says the ladder can ONLY BE USED ONE TIME. After that, Kidde considers the integrity of the ladders as compromised. Should you practice? Heck yes. Can you practice? If you're a teenager or heavier, I would advise against it -- practice with ANOTHER unit instead (yes, it'll cost you money, but it's best everyone knows how to use the ladder in an emergency instead of at that very moment). I had my little kids practice under supervision. I also inspected the ladder afterwards before putting it back away.
Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]