Not good for kids
This is not a good escape ladder for kids. We have a 6 year old daughter who was not strong enough to lift this heavy ladder up to the window, unfold the cumbersome hooks, and then throw the ladder part out the window. It is hard and awkward even for an adult to do this let alone a child.
Once the ladder is hooked on the window sill, you have to lean waaayyy out the window to pull the release tab, risking falling out the window to do this, especially if you are a vertically challenged.
Once you pull the tab, the ladder is supposed to neatly fall to the ground without getting caught up on itself. Wrong. The ladder gets so tangled that it would require you to go 4 or 5 steps down, untangle, go 4 more steps, untagle, ... Read More
Misleading
It is an Avis Strap style material... like a very thin seat belt. It will burn, and can be cut/ripped if damaged. On the package it says STEEL is tested for 1125#, but IN the package is says not to exceed 375 pounds. The rungs are strong but the strapping is weak. The rest of the family can burn or jump while Dad carries one to safety. That is, if it doesn't decay, or be attacked by moths and mold before we need to use it. Nice.
Other ladders are all steel and a better deal. I'm disappointed First Alert has to revert to misleading sales gimmicks to unload these products.
Technical Details
Easy to use 2-story 14-foot fire escape ladder
Fully assembled, ready to use
--> ... Read More
haven't used it yet (and hopefully never will!)
haven't used it, but it looks easy to use and glad to have it. it's heavy duty.
Emergency escape ladder
I ordered this with some trpidation - afraid of the thick walls of the building - not knowing how the hooks might work - was delighted to find that they hooked handily and sturdily to the radiator.
If you can climb out a window - you can use this ladder.
Best deal for the money...
I like First Alert EL52-2 2 Story, 14 Foot Escape Ladder because it is easy to use and it's sturdy. Just make sure you don't have a window directly beneath the window you are climbing out of. If you do, First Alert EL52-2 2 Story, 14 Foot Escape Ladder won't work because you would be putting too much pressure on the window on the lower level and could possibly break it. But, the product itself is great. Perfect for my situation.
