In the United States, fires are one of the most common causes of injury and death. The leading cause is cooking accidents, but fire can happen anywhere. It can happen while you’re sleeping or enjoying a nice camping trip with friends. There is a significant need to take precautions to avoid this type of disaster from happening to you and your family. That’s where outdoor fire escapes come in handy.
These structures provide an escape route for the outdoors when homes catch fire. A well-designed outdoor fire escape can allow your family to escape the fire nightmare. But not all outdoor fire escapes are created equal. There is a considerable difference: some are more expensive than others, and some offer better protection.
This article explores the reasons you want an outdoor fire escape, the benefits of an outdoor fire escape, and different designs of an outdoor fire escape so that you can make an informed choice.
Why Do You Need an Outdoor Fire Escape?
An outdoor fire escape is an excellent option for homeowners who want to avoid the dangers of a traditional fire escape. They are also a popular choice for those who live in areas where earthquakes are common.
Additionally, the outdoor fire escape can be safer and ideal for folks who want to make their home more energy-efficient. Fire escapes are essential to prevent injury and death. They provide an escape route for outdoors when homes catch fire.
Installing the Outdoor Fire Escape
1. Identify the Installing Company
The first step to installing an outdoor fire escape is identifying a company that can do the work for you. You can find companies in your area by doing an internet search or by asking your friends and neighbors.
Ensure you do a quick background check on the company you have identified to determine if they offer epic services.
2. Choose the Best Design
Once you find a company, you must ensure they meet your specific needs and are licensed and insured. You can tell them to show you the available outdoor fire escape staircases and if they have an expert adviser who will advise you on the best one to choose and the cost.
The company’s price range will help you prepare for the installation process. Also, once you know the price range, you can compare it with companies that offer the same services and see if the price is correct.
3. The Installation Process
Now that you have decided about the installation company, the installation process should take about two days, and your new outdoor fire escape will be ready for use. This way, you should always be vigilant regarding fire outbreaks. Mentally prepare how you would use the outdoor fire escape to avoid deaths or any other hazardous circumstances.
What are the Benefits of Outdoor Fire Escape?
1. Avoiding Dangers
One of the benefits of an outdoor fire escape is that it can help you avoid the dangers associated with proximity to a fire.
The fire’s natural gas and smoke caused by the fire can cause unconsciousness or death within minutes. If you are saving someone inside the house, always use the outdoor fire escape route.
2. Protection
An outdoor fire escape can protect those too far from their home to get there safely in time. In many cases, people live miles away from work and school. It would be difficult for them to reach their home quickly when it catches fire.
A well-designed outdoor fire escape could provide refuge for these people so they have time to contact emergency services before they’re overcome by smoke or gas.
The Different Designs Of Outdoor Fire Escapes
You can find these structures in backyards and front yards and near homes with pools. Outdoor fire escapes come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the owner’s needs. The most common designs are:
1. Straight Staircase
The straight staircase leads up to the rooftop. This design is not expensive but does not offer much protection from the heat of the fire. It doesn’t provide much protection as the heat can injure you. This way, you will be unhappy about the happenings. If you want to save yourself from the burning fire using the straight staircase, be prepared to run faster.
2. Spiral Staircase
Another type of design is a spiral staircase going up to the roof, providing better heat protection. When you go in a zigzag way, you can reach safety. The fire will not harm you as you are not near it. Zigzag movements save you from the flames of the fire. It is not 100%, but it is better than the straight staircase.
3. Windows
Some outdoor fire escapes have been designed to provide residents with a way out from their second-story windows. Others have been designed to allow residents to go down a ladder while still inside their homes and avoid being burned by the flames or choked by smoke.
Tip: All outdoor fire escapes should be made of metal, so they don’t catch fire themselves during an outbreak and burn down your house along with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cost of Installing an Outdoor Fire Escape?
The cost of an outdoor fire escape will depend on the size and design. The price will typically range from $1,000-$3,000. If you think it is too much for you, always remember the benefits that it comes with.
The Bottom Line
An outdoor fire escape is ideal for every home. It protects you from hazardous fire outbreaks. It will be best if you choose the best fire escape that ensures maximum security. Before you commence the installation process, first identify an ideal installation company that will do a descent job at a reasonable price.
To ensure the fire can’t burn down the fire escape, always choose metal as the construction material of your fire escape stair cases. If it hurts your pocket, you can always save for it. Develop a saving culture, and the installation will go smoothly.
Reference 1: Fire Escapes USA – Fire Escapes USA
Reference 2: Fire Escapes: A Safety Feature or a Hazard? (ny-engineers.com)
