CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire State Fire Marshal William Degnan says winter is the deadliest time of the year for home fires and carbon monoxide poisonings with five fire-related fatalities already in New Hampshire since the start of 2014.
Degnan said working smoke alarms may have saved their lives. He urges all residents to check their smoke alarms and replace them if they were installed 10 or more years ago because factors like dust, insects and airborne contaminants can impact alarms’ efficiency.
He also recommends that fire extinguishers be placed within reach on every level of a home and that families develop escape plans in case of a fire.
“From my 38 plus years of experience in the fire industry, I can tell you that no one is immune,” Degnan said. “Fire can happen anytime, anywhere - and too often ends in tragedy.”
Last month, a family of five narrowly escaped from their home during a house fire caused by a hidden pipe connected to their woodstove. A Manchester family was overcome with carbon monoxide and brought to the hospital. There were no working smoke or carbon monoxide alarms in either home.
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