American Security Today September Digital Magazine September 2016 | Page 25

Volume 7

September 2016 Edition

Step by Step – How it Works

High Rise Escape accomplishes this by using a
combination of several simple, low-tech devices.
They require no power, are inexpensive, have a
long shelf-life and are easy to use.
They have developed permanent and portable Escape Systems to attach to a structure. Each System incorporates a Controlled Descent Device,
commonly referred to as a “CDD”. The CDD works
like a pulley.

This speed can be compared to a slow elevator.
As they descend, the opposite end of the cable
automatically retracts and reloads the CDD for the
next evacuee. Then the process repeats. Everyone gets out. Escape Harnesses are permanently
attached at each end of the cable and full fire resistant Evacuation Suits are available.
Each CDD incorporates a poly-steel cable with a
neoprene inner lining and braided polyester jacket
to protect it against abrasion, moisture and heat.
Cable lengths are currently available up to 1000
feet (305 meters) or about 100 floors. Other options
are available for locations exceeding these heights.
High Rise Escape has also developed fire resistant
Evacuation Suits for use with the CDD. Designed
with senior citizens, mobility impaired and the disabled communities in mind, these suits are simple
to put on and simple to put on others. They are
oversized for adult and child together if necessary
and made up of an Aluminized, Kevlar-style material that repels 95% of radiant heat.

In operation, a user slides an Escape Harness
over them, climbs over their balcony or out a window and the CDD slowly lowers them automatically
at the rate of 3 feet per second.

These are designed to mitigate means of egress for
anyone living or working above the 2nd floor, including: Government Buildings, Embassies, Barracks,
Hospitals, Disabled Individuals, Nursing Homes,
Air Traffic Control Towers, Apartments, Condominiums, Hotels, Industrial, Job Sites, Theme Parks,
Cranes, Oil Platforms, and Ships.
Most recently, the United States Military has been
utilizing the Guardian Escape Systems on Air Traffic Control Towers such as Edwards AFB, Tinker
AFB, Maxwell AFB and Patrick AFB as well as
Army and Air National Guard installations such as
Alpena CRTC and Grayling Air Gunnery Range.
25