Escape devices for multi-story buildings characterized by a deployable chute or slide which provides for rapid and easy transfer of building occupants from elevated stories to a lower attitude. An escape device comprises a chute deployable so as to provide an inclined slide surface having an entry end and an exit end, and means for selectively supporting the chute with its entry end positioned at any one of the emergency exits and its lower end at a lower attitude whereby the chute may be positioned as needed to evacuate persons from above ground level stories of the building. Such an escape device may be conveniently stored and only deployed when and where needed. An escape device of different type comprises a substantially flat elongate slide for each flight of steps in a building stairwell and means for mounting the slide in the stairwell for swinging movement from a generally upright position adjacent a side wall of the stairwell to a lowered position overlying in parallel relation the associated flight of stairs. Provision also is made for releasably securing the slide in such upright position to permit usage of the stairwell in conventional manner. Only when the need arises is the slide deployed to provide for rapid transfer of people from landing to landing.