What would I do in the event of a fire?

Question

My bedroom is an attic room on its own on the third story, and I'm always worried as if there was a house fire and the stairway was blocked my only escape would be the window. However the window is one that you can only pull open a tiny amount at the very top, so there is no way to get out of it. And it's double glazed, which as far as I'm aware is impossible to break? I know I'd probably die if I jumped out the third story anyway, but I'm thinking more of my baby, if I wrapped him in a matress and then held him to my front and jumped out backwards he might have a chance.

I know this is only a hypothetical, and a perfect example of me being a neurotic mum, but I always just wonder what the best thing I could do in that unlikely event presuming the fire services had already been called?

Answer 1

You can break double glazed glass, just keep a hammer around or something else hard and heavy. You can purchase fire escape ladders for two and three story homes. Here is one: link:http://www.kidde.com/utcfs/Templates/Pag...  

You can always search for more and get the best price.

If you are renting you may be able to get the landlord to spring for it.

Answer 2

move to a place on a lower floor...but not to low...you might get flooded

Answer 3

That doesn't sound like a safe place for you or your baby.  

I'd find something really heavy, like an anchor, bowling ball, heavy tool, etc., to keep in your room.  Something heavy enough to break that double glazed window if you ever need to do so. Be sure to break out all the glass Then you will need a rope ladder that attaches to the window frame.  You can buy them on-line.  

You probably aren't strong enough to just tie a rope to your bed or something else heavy, and then climb down it hand-over-hand.

Be sure not to open the door to your room if it feels hot or you smell lots of smoke.  Stuff something under the door to keep the smoke out while you break the window.

You are wise to worry about what could happen and be prepared.