Having a window escape ladder in place is one way to ensure that you and your loved ones can escape quickly and safely if a home fire breaks out.
Every home should have an emergency fire escape plan. Note that 75% of all fire deaths occur in home fires and household members have an average of two minutes to escape before smoke and flames engulf the entire house.1, 2
To help make your home safer, we’ll cover some of the features you want in an emergency escape ladder and give you our top recommendations for ladders that are worth checking out.
The 5 Best Fire Escape Ladders
Once you know what type of ladder you need, you can make a choice that works for your home. These are our top picks.
| Minimum Price* |
| Maximum Length |
| Maximum Weight |
| Learn More |
| Best Overall | Runner Up | Budget Pick | Best Permanent Solution |
| X-IT Emergency Escape Ladder | ResQLadder Fire Escape Ladder | Kidde Fire Escape Ladder | Werner ESC330 Fire Escape Ladder |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| $99.95 | $169.69 | $39.97 | $209.99 |
| 53 ft. | 50 ft. | 13 ft. | 17 ft. |
| 1,000 lbs. | 1,000 lbs. | 1,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com list price as of 10/27/2020 at 2:00 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.
1. X-IT Emergency Fire Escape Ladder
Rated as one of the safest and best in the market, the X-IT Emergency Fire Escape Ladder works with walls and windows of all sizes. Because the X-IT ladder weighs just six pounds, most members of the family can move it. It also comes in a range of lengths from 13 to 53 feet.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Reliable up to 1,000 pounds
- Designed to fit all windowsills (but window size may influence strength)
Cons
- Difficult to fold back and store once used
- Unable to fit in windows without sills
2. ResQLadder FL15SL Extended Escape Ladder
The ResQLadder FL15SL Extended Escape Ladder can support up to 1,000 pounds. This American-made portable ladder features strong steel hooks that easily attach to standard-sized window sills, and the grooved rungs provide a non-slip surface.
Intended for a variety of house or apartment building styles, this ladder comes in 12, 15, 25, 35, and 55-foot models. As an added bonus, the ladder is backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
Pros
- Reliable up to 1,000 pounds
- Quick to deploy
- Steady with removable standoffs
- Able to fit any window frame
- Durable plastic encasing over chains
Cons
- More expensive than other fire escape ladders
- Easy to tangle in storage
3. Kidde KL-2S Fire Escape Ladder
Kidde’s KL-2S Fire Escape Ladder comes in 13 and 25-foot models. In addition to its anti-slip, zinc-plated rungs that provide stability for children or older family members, it also attaches to windows easily, making it perfect for a fast exit. This safety ladder comes with a five-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Reliable up to 1,000 pounds
- Quick to deploy
- Steady with removable standoffs
- Able to fit any window frame
- Durable plastic encasing over chains
Cons
- More expensive than other fire escape ladders
- Easy to tangle in storage
4. Werner ESC330 Fire Escape Ladder
The First Alert ELS53W-2 ladder features steel standoffs and wide windowsill hooks that can accommodate sills between 6 and 13 inches. The nylon straps in between the slip-resistant rungs ensure stable and safe exits. This portable escape ladder comes with a six-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Quick setup for evacuating multiple household members
- Reliable up to 1,200 pounds
- Heat-resistant straps
- Reusable
Cons
- Permanently installed and cannot be relocated during an emergency
What to Look For in Fire Escape Ladders
An emergency window escape ladder only works if you can access it easily and all of your family members can use it safely. Here are some factors to consider while comparing your options.
- Match your home’s height. Choose 13 to 15 feet for two-story homes and 20 to 25 feet for three-story homes.
- Find a ladder that’s lightweight and compact so you can move and store it with ease.
- Look for a ladder rated to carry at least 1,000 pounds so multiple family members can use it at the same time.
- Make sure the ladder has anti-slip features for children or older household members with mobility issues.
- Check for ladder standoffs, also known as ladder stabilizers. These protrusions hold the ladder rungs away from the wall of the house, giving enough room for a secure toehold and stabilizing the ladder for safe descents.
Using and Storing Window Escape Ladders
An emergency escape ladder may be awkward to use, so make sure you test it out before an emergency. Once you’re done shopping for safety ladders, test it out in its intended window. Have each family member place the ladder out the window and climb out. Think of it as a mini fire drill.
When storing a portable window escape ladder, keep it folded up in a box. Always place the ladder or the box near the window where you intend to use it.
As a homeowner, protecting your family from fire and other emergencies is top priority. Use our list of the best window escape ladders to make sure you and your loved ones can exit safely and quickly during a fire. To learn more about fire safety and prevention, visit our Fire Safety Resource Guide.
Fire Escape Ladders FAQ
How can I prevent a house fire?
Preventing house fires requires routine maintenance, careful planning, and common sense. Start by being careful with activities like cooking and heating your home. Make sure your fire and smoke alarms are up to date, check your oven, grill, and other big appliances too. Models like models like the Nest Protect can let you know if there’s danger even when you aren’t home.
Where should I put my fire and smoke alarms?
You’ll want to install your fire and smoke alarms on each level of your home and at least outside each bedroom. See our full guide to learn more about installing fire and smoke alarms.
What should I do in case of a fire?
Depending on the situation, try to put the fire out first. In addition to fire escape ladders, having fire extinguishers and fire safety kits handy is a smart idea. If not, get out of the house through a planned route. Be sure to practice your routine with your family so you know what to do should a fire strike your home.
Sources
- Marty Ahrens and Ben Evarts, National Fire Protection Association, “Fire Loss in the United States,” September 2020.
- Ready.gov, “Home Fires,” April 2020. Accessed October 27, 2020.
Disclaimers
*Amazon.com list price as of 10/27/2020 at 2:00 p.m. (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
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