First Alert EL52-2 Two-Story, 14-Foot Escape Ladder

This product is exactly as described. It is sturdy and well built. I'm not about to test it and hope to never have to use it but my wife and I feel more at ease having it.

Excellent Product. Manufacturers should stay away from using nylon though as nylon melts if close to fire. I think anything for emergency use should not use nylon to hold the steps.

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, etc.

I do not recommend this ladder.

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
--> Strong steel construction, tested to 1,125 lbs
DuPont Cordura nylon strapping for extra strength and maximum durability.
Complies to ASTM standards; 6-year limited warranty

haven't used it, but it looks easy to use and glad to have it. it's heavy duty.