W. Va. Code § 16-6-20: Knotted rope or other fire escape in rooms; exception.

Each keeper of a hotel in this state shall provide and keep constantly in each room of the hotel, above the second floor, a knotted rope, wire ladder or other proper fire escape of sufficient strength and length, strongly attached or fastened to some outside window in said room, by which any person or persons in any of the rooms in such buildings may escape from the windows in case of fire: Provided, That the provisions of this section shall not apply to any hotel that has a regular and proper fire escape, connected with each hall in said hotel.