Abstract: A lowering device for assisting persons to escape from multi-storied buildings in an emergency situation, and adapted to engage a cable or rope of twisted configuration. The device includes an inner rotatable sleeve surrounding and engaging the cable to follow the twist therein and rotate about the cable as it descends down the cable. The inner sleeve is contained within an outer housing which, in turn, supports a person, and the speed of rotation of the inner sleeve and thus the rate of descent of the device down the cable is controlled by a centrifugal brake having bell cranks carried by the inner sleeve and each pivotal against tension springs under centrifugal force to cause eccentrics on the ends of the cranks to act on brake shoes which engage a brake surface on part of the outer housing.