An emergency escape system (16) for a window (13) of a building (10) includes an escape ladder (36) stored within a window frame (21). A sill part (23) covers a recess (32) containing the escape ladder and allows a window part (22) to form a normal seal with the sill as if no escape ladder system were present. In an emergency, the escape ladder can be quickly deployed to allow a person to exit the building safely through the window. Spacers (88) can be used to provide a more stable escape ladder. A removable cartridge (81) can also be used to easily replace the escape ladder system after the escape ladder has been used or damaged.
