Abstract: A controlled descent-speed, line system is described for the emergency evacuation of high office buildings, apartments and hotels. Included is a small diameter, high-strength steel cable of sufficient length wound upon a flanged reel. One reel flange is hobbed for drive chain teeth to drive a centrifugal clutch rotor hub sprocket. The out-drive clutch drum torques a linear actuator shaft which applies direct braking force to the cable reel. The load end of the cable is provided with a harness and umbrella deployable shield. The shield is stored as a slender, elongated column. Upon use, weight of the user collapses a number of straight spring strips into respective bows to approximate a spherical ball connected in the cable line above the users head to deflect heavy, falling debris and to maintain clearance between the face of the evacuated building and the user.