FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 03, 2003
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The White House - Office of the Press Secretary
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Fire Prevention Week, 2003 |
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By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
More than 1.7 Million fires strike American homes, parks, and businesses each
year. This devastation costs lives, causes injuries, ruins property, and
disrupts businesses. While fires are powerful and destructive, many fires are
preventable. During Fire Prevention Week, we join with our Nation's first
responders to help prevent fires and ensure the safety of our homes and
communities.
As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, the National Fire Protection
Association is joining forces with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal
Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fire Administration to
emphasize the importance of being prepared to protect ourselves, our families,
and our communities. This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is "When Fire
Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!"
Across our country, most fire-related deaths occur where people feel safest
-- in their own homes. National surveys reveal that most Americans underestimate
the risk of fire in their homes and lack an emergency response plan. Fires can
grow quickly, and individuals may have as few as 2 minutes to evacuate. Working
smoke detectors give people more time to escape fires. At least 94 percent of
American homes are equipped with smoke alarms, yet most home fire deaths happen
in homes where smoke alarms are not working. By installing and maintaining
working smoke alarms on every level of the home, having a fire emergency
response plan, and evacuating if the alarm sounds, families and individuals can
be ready to respond to a fire.
This week also reminds us of the dangers that brave first responders face as
they risk their lives to fight fires and protect our communities, our people,
and our natural resources. Our fire services respond to more than 20 million
emergency calls a year. Americans are grateful for their courage, skill, and
commitment to public safety, and we honor the sacrifice of those who have been
injured or killed in their efforts to protect us. Through fire safety and
prevention, we can save lives, including those of our firefighters and other
first responders.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America,
by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim October 5 through October 11, 2003, as Fire
Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 5, 2003, in accordance with Public Law
107-51, flags will be flown at half staff on all Federal office buildings in
honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I urge all Americans
to protect their homes by installing smoke detectors where needed and regularly
checking their existing smoke detectors. These small efforts will help make our
communities safer for all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in
the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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