FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is PEARL®?
How long is the ladder?
How does PEARL differ from a portable
escape ladder?
Couldn’t I just go down to my
local hardware store and buy a ladder for $100?
Is PEARL easy to use?
I already have a smoke detector and/or
fire sprinkler system installed in my home. Isn’t that enough
to protect me and my family from a fire?
Could I tie PEARL into my alarm system
in case my children play around with the ladder?
Can I use PEARL for fire drills?
How easy is PEARL to repack?
Can I get an insurance discount by installing
PEARL?
How many people can descend down a PEARL ladder
at one time?
Is the installation process lengthy or complicated?
Where should I install PEARL?
How many PEARL ladders should be installed
in a home?
Won’t my children use PEARL to sneak
out at night?
The ladders are not tamperproof, how can I prevent
my children from playing around with the ladder?
Will having a permanent ladder increase the
risk of intrusion?
What do I need to do to maintain my PEARL ladder?
Many homes today have complex roof lines, will
PEARL still work?
Why do I need an escape ladder when today’s
homes are much safer from fires than older homes?
Will an interior mounted escape ladder negatively
affect the U-Value of my home?
How do I know that PEARL will support my weight?
Will my fingers and toes be crushed against
the wall while using the ladder?
Where can I purchase a PEARL permanent escape ladder?
Where can I find more information
on PEARL Protected and the PEARL permanent escape ladder?
How do I arrange for Professional In-home Installation?
Where will my order ship from?
How and when will my order ship?
How do I track my order?
What is the return policy?
Can I use a credit
card with an international billing address?
Can I ship to one address but bill to another?
What is the Credit Card Security Code?
Why was I charged sales tax?
Will I have to sign for the package when it arrives?
What are my ordering options?
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
What is PEARL®?
PEARL is a patented, Permanent Escape And Rescue Ladder that can be
quickly and easily deployed in the event of a residential fire or other
home emergency. PEARL’s small square cabinet and ladder is recessed
into the interior wall space beneath second or third-story windows. PEARL
also features a paint-grade access door, so the device can be painted
or wallpapered to blend seamlessly with existing décor.
How long is the ladder?
The PEARL unit includes a full three-story ladder that can be customized
to fit any length shorter than three-stories. So, if you have a two-story
home you simply cut off the extra rungs to fit the exact distance
from your window to the ground. The ladder itself is 23’ 8”, providing you with
27’ of coverage.
How does PEARL differ from a portable escape ladder?
Unlike portable escape ladders, PEARL provides “always there” functionality
and peace of mind. With a portable ladder, in an emergency you will need to remember
where it is stored, unpack and affix it to the window. This process can take
a significant amount of time. PEARL is built-in to allow you to practice your
escape plan and reuse it as frequently as necessary. Portable ladders typically
clamp onto the window sill and most suggest emergency use only. PEARL can also
support up to 1,500 lbs. For additional safety, PEARL includes a climbing strap
to assist you in exiting the window and getting onto the ladder. Finally, because
PEARL is permanently installed it should ultimately add value to the home.
Couldn’t I just go down to my local hardware store and buy a
ladder for $100?
PEARL’s high-tech engineering and materials cannot be found in a
portable ladder. PEARL is permanently installed – so it is exactly
where you need it, when you need it. While some portable ladders can be
purchased for under $100 dollars, none of them provide the security of
being right at the point of exit, ready to use in an emergency.
Is PEARL easy to use?
Yes. PEARL is designed with simplicity in mind so the entire family,
even children, can understand the deployment process. To deploy PEARL,
just remember to Open, Throw, and Go!™ Open the window, throw out the ladder and descend to
safety.
I already have a smoke detector and/or fire
sprinkler system installed in my home. Isn’t that enough to protect
me and my family from a fire?
A complete fire safety plan must address three key areas: detection,
suppression, and escape. While smoke detectors and sprinklers are permanent
devices used to detect and extinguish dangers such as fire, PEARL addresses
the most important need and that is to escape safely from these dangers.
Could I tie PEARL into my alarm system in case
my children play around with the ladder?
You can have your alarm company place a sensor on the
upstairs window and/or on the door of the unit for maximum protection
and monitoring.
Can I use PEARL for fire drills?
PEARL was designed specifically for repacking and reuse so that it
can be deployed as often as necessary.
How easy is PEARL to repack?
PEARL folds up easily. The nylon webbing has memory and folds with
the rungs staggering next to each other. Once assembled secure
the Velcro strap around the ladder bundle and place it back inside
the cabinet wrapping the webbing around the edges. The excess straps
should be folded neatly on top of the rungs. Complete instructions
are included on the inside of the door and in the installation
guide.
Can I get an insurance discount by installing
PEARL?
PEARL is actively working with insurance companies to offer such
a discount. You can check with your insurance company to see if
they will discount your policy for living in a safer home. However,
at this point in time we do not know of any formal discount programs
for installing PEARL.
How many people can descend down a PEARL ladder at one time?
PEARL can support up to 1,500 lbs. at any given time making it the
strongest product of its kind on the market. Each rung can hold
up to 400 lbs. This is especially important during rescue situations
when young children, elderly, or disabled persons need assistance
descending the ladder.
Is the installation process lengthy or complicated?
Basic installations can be performed by do-it-yourselfers, although
PEARL Protected® recommends
professional installation. PEARL units come with a detailed, step-by-step
installation guide that is easy to follow and alerts installers to any
potential “red
flags,” such as electrical wiring, which is sometimes found behind the
walls. Please visit the installation page of
our Web site for more information.
Where should I install PEARL?
PEARL can be installed beneath any second or third-story windows.
A required finished space of
14” (h) x 16 ½” (w) is necessary to install
the unit.
How many PEARL ladders should be installed
in a home?
PEARL Protected recommends a minimum of two ladders be
installed in each home, one on each side of the staircase.
Won’t my children use PEARL to sneak out at
night?
The process of deploying the aluminum ladder is not quiet. Someone
attempting to use the ladder would have to open the window, deploy
the ladder and upon return, pull the ladder back in through the window
and repack it without getting caught.
The ladders are not tamperproof, how
can I prevent my children from playing around with the ladder?
If you are concerned, you can have your alarm company place a sensor
on the upstairs window. To deploy the ladder the window must be opened,
at which time the alarm will sound. If no central alarm system is in
place, a contact alarm can be added from a local hardware store.
Will having a permanent ladder increase
the risk of intrusion?
The PEARL permanent escape ladder is installed on the interior of
the home, so there is no risk of intrusion.
What do I need to do to maintain my PEARL
ladder?
PEARL should be regularly inspected, in the same manner you would
have your fire extinguishers or smoke alarms checked. Practicing your
escape plan at least twice a year using your PEARL ladders is an ideal
time to inspect your unit. Specific instructions are provided in the
manufacturers’ installation and use manual.
Many homes today have complex roof lines,
will PEARL still work?
PEARL has nylon webbing between each rung which allows flexibility
to manage many types of roof lines. However, we suggest you contact
a PEARL Protected representative directly to have us confirm the ability
to deploy the ladder safely under special circumstances.
Why do I need an escape ladder when
today’s homes are much safer from fires than older homes?
While it is true that most residential fires occur in older homes,
today’s furniture and decorating materials are much more combustible
than previous versions. For this reason, deadly conditions have been
documented by the USFA to occur in 3 minutes versus 17 minutes recorded
in 1975. This means there is very little time to escape before smoke
and flames fill a room.
Will an interior mounted escape ladder
negatively affect the U-Value of my home?
When PEARL is installed properly using the provided insulation sheet,
it fully complies with all four Energy Star region requirements.
How do I know that PEARL will support
my weight?
Approved permanent escape ladders must reveal the rated load. PEARL
has been tested to support up to 1,500 lbs.
Will my fingers and toes be crushed
against the wall while using the ladder?
PEARL has standoffs and anti-slip rungs to allow the user a safe
place for the hands and ample room to easily place feet on each rung
for stability.
Where can I purchase a PEARL permanent
escape ladder?
Consumers can purchase
PEARL directly from the PEARL Protected Website,
by phone at
800-374-5737, or at any number
of online retailers or local building supply dealers.
Where can I find more information on
PEARL Protected and the PEARL permanent escape ladder?
More information on PEARL Protected and the PEARL permanent escape
ladder can be found by contacting us directly at 800-374-5737, or on
this Web site: www.pearlprotected.com.
How do I arrange for Professional In-home
Installation?
PEARL Protected highly recommends professional installation. Please
contact our corporate office for a preferred local installation partner.
You can call toll free at 800-374-5737.
Where will my order ship from?
PEARL Protected utilizes warehouses on the East and West Coasts.
Orders will ship from the closest warehouse location based on inventory
availability. In this way, we attempt to reduce the in-transit time
of your shipment. Keep in mind that Ground Service delivery may take
3 to 7 business days after shipment.
How and when will my order ship?
At PEARL Protected we strive to ship your order as quickly as possible.
However, because of inventory, shipping, and matters outside of our
control, our shipping representations will guarantee or promise that
a product will ship on a specific day. Shipping charges are based on
UPS Ground Shipping Service. Standard UPS Ground Shipping Service is
guaranteed to residential and commercial addresses in 3 to 7 business
days after shipment. Actual delivery time depends on shipping distance.
Delivery to some remote addresses may take up to 2 additional business
days. UPS Ground Service is available only to addresses in the 50 states
and Puerto Rico.
How do I track my order?
Once your order has shipped from our warehouse, you will receive
an email with a link to the tracking information for your shipment.
Simply click on the link and you will have access to the carrier's
web site for a current status of your shipment. Multiple tracking numbers
may be displayed if multiple boxes were included in your shipment or
if your order has multiple shipments. Please note that some carriers
do not offer shipment tracking and some carriers such as UPS do not
update their systems immediately upon shipment. Please call 800-374-5737
for assistance with your order.
What is the return policy?
GENERAL RETURNS
Please note that unless you receive a defective or damaged product
all purchases are final.
Unauthorized or Refused Returns:
PEARL Protected will not accept unauthorized returns or exchanges.
Packages without a Return Authorization Number will be refused upon
return to our warehouse. If you refuse the product when it arrives,
PEARL Protected will impose a 15% restocking fee plus any applicable
shipping and handling charges. Additional charges may apply if the
merchandise is not returned in 100% complete condition in the original,
unopened packaging.
Defective Returns:
Defective returns will be accepted for exchange or repair, at our
discretion, within 60 days from the shipment date. If there is
no exchange or repair we have the right to impose a 15% restocking
fee. No refunds or credit will be granted after 60 days. The
terms of the manufacturer's warranty apply. A product must be
diagnosed "defective" by
a member of our Technical Support Staff. Once it has been diagnosed,
please ask our customer service department for a return authorization
number. Any return found to be non-defective, once our warehouse
has inspected it, is subject to a restocking fee of 15% and all
non-product-related fees (shipping and handling fees) are not
refundable.
Return Procedures:
Call Toll Free at 800-374-5737 to obtain a Return Authorization (RA)
number before shipping your product. NO returns of any type will
be accepted without a RA number. Goods must be received in our warehouse
within 30 days from the date of the RA being issued. For faster service,
please have the following information on hand when calling for an
RA number:
- customer name
- invoice/order number
- item number
- serial number
- nature of the problem.
Your RA number(s) must appear clearly on the shipping label on the
outside of the return shipment.
We are not responsible for lost or stolen packages. PEARL Protected
strongly recommends that you fully insure your return shipment in case
it is lost or damaged and we recommend that you use a carrier that
can provide proof of delivery for your protection.
Can I use a credit card with an international
billing address?
No. PEARL Protected can only process charges to credit cards with
a U.S. billing address.
Can I ship to one address but bill to another?
Yes, when you order, we ask for both the shipping address and the
billing address. You can enter a different address in the shipping;
however, the billing address must match the address on file with your
credit card company.
What is the Credit Card Security Code?
The Credit Card Security Code, also called the Credit Card Verification
Value (CVV or CVV2), is an additional safety feature on the credit
card. For VISA and MasterCard this is usually a three-digit code, which
appears on the far right of the signature strip following the last
digits of your card number. American Express cardholders will find
the four-digit code printed on the front.
Why was I charged sales tax?
PEARL Protected is required by law to charge local sales tax (if
applicable) on orders shipped to California and Georgia.
Will I have to sign for the package when it
arrives?
Yes, PEARL Protected requires an Adult Signature upon delivery via
UPS Ground.
What are my ordering options?
We accept orders online 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone Hours: Sales and Customer Service Specialists
are available Monday Through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Eastern
Standard Time
except for some Holidays.
