For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 3, 2003
Fire Prevention Week, 2003
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
# # #
|