Winfield Fire Department Safety House Program Begins

The  in Sykesville recently started its newest fire safety education program, helping to inform local students on fire safety with a new “safety house.”

The local fire department purchased its first safe house for $5,500 from Cecil County's fire department on Dec. 11, and recently took the next step in the project – reaching out to program sponsors.  

All businesses in Winfield's first due area were sent letters explaining what the safety house is and how it will serve the children in the local community. The Fire Department also asked if they would like to be a sponsor of the program. 

"This is a very exciting time for the department since we will now have our own safety house," read a post by Winfield Fire Department Prevention and Life Safety Chair Debbie Gartrell on the fire company's website. 

"We will be able to teach our children at and Winfield elementary schools home fire safety lessons."

The curriculum was approved by the Carroll County Board of Education, and the principals at both Winfield schools have approved the program. 

Torrence Construction has offered assistance in the project, measuring everything that needs to be replaced in the mobile home. In addition, Shannon-Baum Signs has also offered its assistance in making a decal for the safety house and the Winfield Ladies Auxiliary offered to continue their support with the department’s fire prevention projects.

To date the following businesses have made donations to the project:

• Dr. Nagji J. Sureja, M.D., P.A. 
• Shipley Transport
• Wastler Automotive 
• M.T. Laney 
• Taylorsville-Winfield Lions Club 

Those interested in contributing to the project should contact Debbie Gartrell at 410-795-1333 ext. 336 or email debbiegartrell@comcast.net for additional information.