CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree is urging state residents to be extra vigilant during the holiday season.
Electrical outlets are often overloaded and can cause a fire along with the improper use of heating devices, Tyree said.
“We want to make sure people are using the proper equipment in the proper places, using indoor heating devices and not outdoor heating devices indoors,” he said.
Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and a fire escape plan are ways to save lives. Once a fire starts there’s little time, Tyree said.
“Your’e looking at two to two-and-a-half minutes that you need to be out of the home so you can ensure safety–at a bare minimum,” he said.
Homes burn faster these days because of the materials used in construction and furnishing.
“There’s more plastics instead of cotton, wools and woods how. You just have to be mindful of that,” according to Tyree.
Tyree also promotes neighbors checking on their neighbors regularly, especially older residents.