In northern Iowa, USA, residents of Charles City have started a project called Operation Josh's Ladder, which aims to raise money to buy escape ladders for all two-storey homes.  So far, the group has purchased fifty such ladders and distributed them to homes in the city, along with training provided by a Fire Chief from a nearby town.  The ladders are the portable type, meaning they are not fixed to the windowsill but can be stored near the window and deployed quickly in an emergency by way of the windowsill hooks. Operation Josh's Ladder was started after 27-year-old Josh Nelson died in a fire in March this year. He was unable to escape from the second storey apartment, but would have been able to get out had there been an escape ladder available to use.  This prompted residents and relatives to start the campaign and fundraising, which has seen donations by several churches and businesses in the area.  They hope that their efforts will save lives and that no one else will die in a fire due to a lack of an escape route. Midland Ladders carry the type of escape ladder being used in the Iowa town, one that hooks over a windowsill and will support several people at once (up to 70 stone).  At 15 feet long, this gives enough reach to escape from a second storey level and can be quickly deployed. The ladder unfolds itself when lowered out of the window and will not tangle.  Each rung has plastic prongs to keep it away from the exterior wall when climbing so you can feel confident making a quick escape.  It will only set you back £59 but it could save a life.