[AKaeTrue]

This very important question arose today in conversation.
If in the event of a house fire, how does a family safely get out of a 2 story (or more) home if the first floor is engulfed with flames?
Thanks for all input.
Kae

[Curlyben]

I would hope that with the fitment and regular testing of smoke alarms this situation would never occur.
Least this way you should have more than enough warning to vacate the house before it was engulfed in flames.

If it was the case then the window would be one route or, more daring, wrap soaking wet towels around yourself, get to the downstairs doors and exit as quickly as possible.

[AKaeTrue]

Hi thank you, yes smoke detectors most definitely and you would wake before the entire floor was engulfed.
I guess I was more referring to if the stairs leading downstairs happened to be blocked by the fire.
Wetting towels or a blanket is a good option especially if small children are involved and need to be carried out.
Thanks for the advise.

[tkrussell]

Here are a few products available to allow easy exit from upper levels:

http://www.fireescapesystems.com/products.asp

If fire drills are practiced, then trying these as part of the drill would be helpful.

[shygrneyzs]

Great question. When I was married we lived in a two story home and before moving in purchased two ladder type devices that one could hook onto the window ledge and throw down the side of the house and climb down to the front or back yard. After use they just roll up and can be placed under the bed. We had fire drills once a month to practice this and get our children used to using the devices and also to make them feel safe and secure. We had a designated meeting place outside and would chart the results.

I would also encourage the use of the wet towels at the bedroom door if a fire broke out downstairs. One thing the Fire Marshall told us when he inspected our home was to make sure the bedroom doors were closed when sleeping. He said that it gave the person a better chance of getting out to safety if a fire broke out.

[AKaeTrue]

Thank you all, I feel much safer now.
We are getting the latter.
Kae