Upper-storey evacuation: window, ladder and escape plan
Plan two routes where possible, keep exits accessible and determine how to reach the ground from an upper-storey window.
VERT / GREEN
Draw the plan, keep windows clear and practise evacuation with everyone in the home.
JAUNE / YELLOW
An escape ladder may help from a compatible window, but it must be accessible, understood and usable.
ROUGE / RED
Improvised ladder, inaccessible window or project that reduces required egress: do not treat a ladder as a substitute for building compliance.
Quick triage
What the professional checks
Fire service/building professional can review the plan, exits, windows, obstacles and applicable requirements.
Official sources
Checked 2026-08-23
Related path
Continue with the right tools
These links connect this page to the next useful checks and decisions without repeating the full content.
Connect symptoms to the enclosureStart from condensation, staining, odours or movement before choosing a repair.Open →Adapt the enclosure to climateConnect heat, cold, water, wind and wildfire to building priorities.Open →Assess overall resilienceReview water, climate, safety, autonomy and records with a local score.Open →Screen hazardous materialsIdentify situations where work should stop and testing is needed before disturbance.Open →Open climate guidanceReview climate constraints relevant to assemblies and materials.Open →
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