One of the most essential non-emergency services a fire department provides is the proactive promotion of fire prevention, which serves as a cornerstone in protecting lives and property. Fire prevention efforts are typically divided into three key areas: fire inspections, fire investigations, and public fire education. These functions work in tandem to mitigate the risk of fire-related incidents before they happen, ensuring that both community members and structures are as safe as possible.

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Each year, the Port Washington Fire Department conducts thorough inspections of commercial properties, with most receiving two inspections annually. These inspections are critical for identifying fire hazards, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations, and reviewing the functionality of key safety systems. This process often involves assessing sprinkler and fire alarm systems, which are essential for early fire detection and suppression. Building owners are required to submit system plans for the department's review, ensuring that installations meet the necessary safety standards. After installation, these systems must undergo rigorous testing, which is witnessed and approved by the fire department, before occupancy permits are granted. This ensures that all commercial properties are adequately equipped to handle fire emergencies.

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Public fire education is a vital component of the community's fire prevention efforts, serving as a long-term strategy to reduce fire incidents. A major focus is placed on educating children, with the belief that instilling fire safety habits early in life will lead to safer behaviors as they grow older. The department frequently visits local schools and delivers engaging lessons using materials from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These visits aim to empower children with fire safety knowledge, teaching them essential skills such as stop, drop, and roll, and how to safely exit a building in case of fire.

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To reach the broader adult population, the department hosts an annual Open House during Fire Prevention Week in October. This event provides community members with access to fire safety information and allows them to engage in hands-on activities, such as fire extinguisher training. Attendees can practice using extinguishers in a controlled environment, learning how to effectively put out small fires. The Open House fosters community engagement while reinforcing the importance of fire safety practices in the home and workplace. Through these combined efforts, the department strengthens the overall safety and preparedness of the community, making fire prevention a shared responsibility.