Charleston, WV (WOAY) Far too many West Virginians continue to lose their lives in home fires.
State fire officials say many of those deaths were preventable with working smoke alarms.
Under West Virginia law, every one and two-family home, including manufactured homes, must have a working smoke alarm outside each sleeping area.
Homeowners are responsible for providing, installing, and replacing smoke alarms.
While tenants are responsible for routine maintenance.
For residents who are deaf or hard of hearing, landlords must provide a visual alert smoke alarm upon written request.
Violating the law comes with steep penalties, including a $250 fine for a first offense, $750 for a second, and $2,000 for third and later violations.
The American Red Cross or local fire departments often provide free smoke alarms to residents who need them.
Officials encourage individuals to report violations to their city fire marshal or the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Fire officials say working smoke alarms save lives, and they urge everyone to make sure their home is protected and up to code.
