Our Focus
Community Engagement & Safety Resources
Prevention and education are key parts of public safety. This page provides information on community programs, practical safety tips, and trusted external resources.
Community Program
Community Access CPR/AED Program
The Winchester Fire Department’s Community Access CPR/AED Program is a self-sustained initiative that places and maintains AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in public access locations throughout the community. We achieve this by teaching First Aid, CPR, and AED classes.
How It Works
Income generated through CPR classes taught by our department is used to maintain community AEDs. This includes semi-annual maintenance, pad replacement, and battery replacement, ensuring these life-saving devices are always ready.
For information on upcoming CPR/AED classes, please contact us or follow our Facebook page for announcements.
Fire & Life Safety
Simple Steps That Save Lives
Your safety is our priority. Here are some important reminders and resources to help keep you, your family, and your property safe:
- Smoke Alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year, or as recommended by the manufacturer for long-life batteries. Replace alarms that are 10 years old or older.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home if you have fuel-burning appliances, an attached garage, or a fireplace.
- Home Escape Plan: Create and practice a home fire escape plan with all members of your household. Know two ways out of every room and designate an outside meeting place.
- Kitchen Safety: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items away from your stovetop. Have a lid nearby to smother small grease fires.
- Heating Safety: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned annually.
Safety Resources
External Safety Resources
American Heart Association
CPR training resources and heart health information to complement our Community Access CPR/AED Program. Learn life-saving skills and healthy living tips.
American Red Cross
Learn essential fire safety steps, emergency preparedness tips, and disaster response information from the American Red Cross.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Access comprehensive public education resources, fire safety tips, and prevention materials from the leading authority on fire protection and safety standards.
Ready.gov
Comprehensive emergency preparedness including home fire safety from FEMA's Ready campaign. Learn how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Safe Kids Worldwide
Child safety resources including fire prevention education for families. Protecting children from preventable injuries through education and advocacy.
U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)
Explore fire prevention programs, community risk reduction strategies, and educational materials from FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration.