A second-floor escape ladder should fit your window, reach the ground safely, and be simple to deploy under stress. The five options below range from compact 13-foot models to a 15-foot ladder, with different window-fit requirements, rung designs, and stated load testing. Check the measurements and instructions for your chosen ladder before relying on it as part of your home escape plan.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Length | Notable features | Stated load or testing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kidde 2-Story Rope Ladder | 13 feet | Anti-slip zinc-plated rungs; works with casement windows | Tested to 1,000 pounds | Shoppers wanting a compact ladder with a stated window fit |
| Hausse Retractable 2 Story Ladder | 13 feet | Retractable hooks; storage bag included | Tested up to 1,000 pounds | Convenient storage and quick setup without tools |
| First Alert Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder | 14 feet | Steel and nylon construction; wall stabilizers | Tested to 375 pounds; tested to ASTM standards | Those who want stabilizers and a stated sill-width range |
| SHAREWIN Portable Fire Ladder | 15 feet | Wide steps; V-shaped center support | Maximum around 990 pounds; EN131 security certification | Windows or balcony frames where extra length may help |
| PetGirl 2-Story Emergency Ladder | Not stated | Wide steps; V-shaped center support; foldable | Maximum around 990 pounds; EN131 security certification | Those seeking a foldable ladder with wide steps |
Our Picks: Best 2Nd Floor Fire Escape Ladder reviews
1. Kidde 2-Story Rope Ladder: A Compact Option with Anti-Slip Rungs
The Kidde ladder extends to 13 feet and uses red nylon strap rails with one-foot-wide, zinc-plated anti-slip rungs. The ladder is described as flame resistant, foldable, and tangle-free, with no assembly required. It is tested to 1,000 pounds, and the manufacturer provides a five-year limited warranty.
Its stated window fit is specific: it attaches to many common windows up to 11 inches deep and 16 inches wide, and it also works with casement windows. Measure your window and compare it with the product instructions before buying; a ladder that does not fit the opening is not a useful escape option.
A key limitation is that this is a single-use ladder. The instructions say to discard it after unfolding or use, so it is not a reusable practice ladder. It makes sense for households that want a clearly specified 13-foot option and can plan how to rehearse their escape steps without deploying the ladder.
Pros:
- 13-foot length for second-story use
- Wide, anti-slip metal rungs and strap rails
- Listed as compatible with casement windows
- Tested to 1,000 pounds and backed by a limited warranty
Cons:
- Single use; discard after unfolding or use
- Window dimensions must fall within the stated fit
Verdict: Choose the Kidde if your window fits its stated dimensions and you want anti-slip rungs, casement-window compatibility, and a stated 1,000-pound test figure.
2. Hausse Retractable Ladder: Quick Setup with a Storage Bag
The Hausse is a 13-foot ladder designed for second-story rooms. Its retractable hooks attach to a window frame or sill, and the product instructions say to extend both hooks fully before use. It needs no assembly or tools and comes with a red canvas storage bag that can be kept under a bed or near a window.
The ladder has slip-resistant rungs and is tested for up to 1,000 pounds. The retractable-hook design is useful for storage, but it also adds an important setup step: both hooks need to be extended to their maximum position. Practice the escape procedure and follow the instructions so this step is clear in an emergency.
Hausse recommends replacing the ladder every three years to help ensure usability. The supplied information does not state a specific window-size range, so check the product’s current instructions and confirm the hook arrangement works with your window before choosing it. Compared with the Kidde, it offers a storage bag and a stated replacement interval, but not the same detailed window measurements.
Pros:
- 13-foot reach for second-story rooms
- Retractable hooks and slip-resistant rungs
- No assembly or tools required
- Includes a red canvas storage bag
Cons:
- Both hooks must be fully extended during setup
- Manufacturer recommends replacement every three years
Verdict: The Hausse is a practical pick if a storage bag and tool-free setup appeal to you, provided its hooks suit your window and you keep its replacement recommendation in mind.
3. First Alert 14-Foot Ladder: Wall Stabilizers and Defined Sill Fit
At 14 feet, the First Alert is one foot longer than the two 13-foot options above. It combines steel and nylon construction with anti-slip features, and steel stabilizers hold the ladder away from the wall to support a quicker exit. It arrives fully assembled and folds for storage.
This model is designed for windowsills between 6 and 10 inches wide. Its stated test capacity is 375 pounds, lower than the figures listed for the other products here, so check that limit against your household’s needs. The ladder is also described as tested to ASTM standards.
The defined sill-width range makes fit checking more straightforward, but it is not a universal fit. Measure the sill and review the instructions before purchase. Compared with the longer SHAREWIN option, the First Alert gives up a foot of length but includes wall stabilizers and a stated sill range.
Pros:
- 14-foot length and steel wall stabilizers
- Fully assembled and folds for storage
- Stated fit for 6- to 10-inch windowsills
- Tested to ASTM standards
Cons:
- Stated test capacity is 375 pounds
- Window sill must fall within the specified width range
Verdict: Consider the First Alert if its sill-width range fits your window and you value wall stabilizers, while making sure its stated 375-pound test capacity is appropriate for your situation.
4. SHAREWIN 15-Foot Ladder: Extra Length with Wide Steps
The SHAREWIN extends to 15 feet, making it the longest ladder in this comparison. It has wide steps and a steel hook with a V-shaped center support. The product description says it can fit many common window and balcony frames, but checking your own opening is still essential.
The ladder folds for storage under a bed or in a closet near a window. Its stated maximum load is around 990 pounds, and the product description lists EN131 security certification. Those details distinguish it from the First Alert’s shorter 14-foot reach and 375-pound test figure, but they do not replace checking the ladder’s exact fit and use instructions.
The description does not provide a specific window-frame measurement or a replacement schedule. If you are considering it for a particular window, confirm that the hooks can sit securely on the frame and that the ladder can reach the ground from that location. Its extra length may be useful, but a longer ladder is not automatically the right choice if it does not fit your opening.
Pros:
- 15-foot length, the longest listed here
- Wide steps and V-shaped center support
- Folds for compact storage
- Stated maximum around 990 pounds and EN131 certification
Cons:
- No exact window-frame measurements are provided in the supplied details
- Confirm the hook fit and reach for your specific escape point
Verdict: The SHAREWIN is worth considering when you need the longest listed reach and its hooks fit your window or balcony frame securely.
5. PetGirl Foldable Ladder: Wide Steps and a V-Shaped Support
The PetGirl ladder is a foldable option with wide steps, anti-slip rungs, and a steel hook with V-shaped center support. It is described as lightweight and suitable for many common window frames. The supplied information does not give a ladder length, so verify the reach for your second-floor window before buying.
The product description lists a maximum load of around 990 pounds and EN131 security certification. It also says the ladder is for one-time use and should be tested and practiced with before it is needed. Because it is also described as a one-time-use product, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely when planning how to practice and when to replace it.
Compared with the SHAREWIN, the PetGirl has similar listed support and load details, but the SHAREWIN’s length is specified at 15 feet. The missing length measurement is the main detail to resolve before making a choice. Make sure the ladder is stored close to the intended window and that all household members understand the escape plan.
Pros:
- Wide steps and anti-slip rungs
- Foldable design for compact storage
- Steel hook with V-shaped center support
- Stated maximum around 990 pounds and EN131 certification
Cons:
- Product length is not stated in the supplied details
- Designed for one-time use
Verdict: Choose the PetGirl only after confirming its length and fit for your window; its wide steps and foldable design may suit you if those measurements work.
How to Choose a Second-Floor Fire Escape Ladder
Measure the window and sill before choosing
Start with the opening you expect to use. Check the window frame or sill measurements against the ladder’s stated fit requirements. The Kidde lists maximum window dimensions, while the First Alert specifies a sill width between 6 and 10 inches. For products without exact measurements in the supplied details, confirm compatibility in the product instructions before purchase.
Match the ladder length to the actual drop
A listed length of 13, 14, or 15 feet does not tell you by itself whether the ladder will reach the ground from your window. Consider the height of the escape point and verify the manufacturer’s guidance for your home. The PetGirl’s length is not stated in the supplied product details, so that is an important item to confirm before buying.
Compare load information carefully
Look for the product’s stated capacity or test figure, and compare it with the people who may need to use the ladder. The figures in this comparison are not identical: some products list a maximum load, while others describe a test load. Do not treat those terms as interchangeable, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and limits.
Consider the rung design and ladder support
Anti-slip or slip-resistant rungs, wider steps, and wall stabilizers can affect how a ladder is designed to support a descent. The First Alert includes steel stabilizers, while the SHAREWIN and PetGirl describe wide steps and V-shaped center support. Compare these features with the needs of everyone in your household, rather than assuming that any one design will suit every user.
Understand the setup and replacement instructions
Some ladders require a specific setup step, such as extending both Hausse hooks fully. The Kidde and PetGirl are described as single-use products, and Hausse recommends replacement every three years. Read the instructions for your chosen ladder so you know how to deploy, inspect, practice with, and replace it appropriately.
Plan storage and household practice
Keep the ladder near the window where it may be needed, while storing it in a way that does not block an exit. A storage bag or foldable design can make placement easier. Talk through who will use the ladder, how it will be reached, and what steps to take. For single-use ladders, follow the manufacturer’s directions for practice rather than unfolding the ladder casually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a second-floor fire escape ladder be?
Choose a length that reaches the ground from your intended escape window, and check the manufacturer’s guidance for your home. The products here range from 13 to 15 feet, but a stated length alone does not confirm that a ladder will fit every building.
Will any fire escape ladder fit any window?
No. Window frames and sills vary. For example, the Kidde and First Alert list specific fit details. Measure your window and confirm the ladder’s hooks or support system work with it before relying on the product.
Can a fire escape ladder be reused?
It depends on the product. The Kidde and PetGirl are described as single-use ladders. Hausse recommends replacing its ladder every three years. Follow the instructions for the specific ladder you choose.
Which ladder in this comparison is the longest?
The SHAREWIN is listed at 15 feet. The First Alert is 14 feet, and the Kidde and Hausse are 13 feet. The PetGirl’s length is not stated in the supplied details.
What does a stated load or test figure mean?
It is the load information provided for that specific product. The descriptions use different terms, such as “tested to” and “maximum,” so compare them carefully and follow the product’s official instructions. Do not assume the figures mean the same thing.
How should I prepare my household to use an escape ladder?
Read the ladder instructions, confirm it fits the intended window, store it nearby, and talk through your escape plan with everyone who may need it. Practice according to the manufacturer’s guidance, especially if the ladder is labeled for one-time use.
Final Recommendation
The Kidde is a strong all-around choice if its stated window dimensions fit your home and you want a 13-foot ladder with anti-slip rungs and casement-window compatibility. Choose the Hausse if you value its storage bag and retractable hooks, the First Alert if its sill range and stabilizers suit your window, or the SHAREWIN if you need a listed 15-foot reach. The PetGirl’s length is not stated here, so confirm that measurement before considering it. In every case, verify window fit and follow the ladder’s instructions before adding it to your home escape plan.
