[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 9, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62863-62864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-25897]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 196 / Wednesday, October 9, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 62863]]

                Proclamation 7602 of October 4, 2002

                
Fire Prevention Week, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every year, fires needlessly take lives and destroy 
                homes, natural habitats, and livelihoods. This year, as 
                we observe Fire Prevention Week, I ask all citizens to 
                take responsible steps to prevent fires at home and 
                outdoors and to ensure that safety and emergency plans 
                are in place and in practice.

                Approximately 3,500 Americans die each year in home 
                fires; and 85 percent of all annual fire fatalities 
                occur in residences. To prevent this tragic loss of 
                life, the National Fire Protection Association, in 
                partnership with the Federal Emergency Management 
                Agency, the United States Fire Administration, and 
                America's 26,354 fire departments, is sponsoring the 
                2002 Fire Prevention Week campaign, ``Team Up for Fire 
                Safety.'' I encourage all Americans to heed the 
                recommendations of fire safety experts by ensuring that 
                every home is equipped with the appropriate number of 
                properly installed and maintained smoke alarms and that 
                every family has fire safety and escape plans. These 
                measures will help to prevent fires and protect our 
                families, our communities, and our firefighters.

                America has faced a devastating wildfire season this 
                year, and much wildlife habitat has been destroyed by 
                fires in our overgrown forests. To reduce the threat of 
                these catastrophic wildfires and to restore the health 
                of America's forests, we must continue to develop 
                improved forest management plans. My Healthy Forests 
                Initiative aims to ensure our environment's health by 
                thinning dangerous overgrowth. Firefighters and forest 
                experts agree that we could strengthen the health of 
                our forests by targeted thinning of dense forests and 
                quickly restoring fire- damaged areas to prevent 
                erosion. Through these improved forest policies, we can 
                protect our citizens, prevent catastrophic fires, 
                preserve healthy forests, and sustain wildlife habitat.

                During Fire Prevention Week, our Nation also gives 
                thanks for the invaluable service rendered by our 
                firefighters, who risk their lives to preserve and 
                protect our communities. These courageous public 
                servants have inspired us with their dedication and 
                professionalism. On September 11, 2001, we saw that our 
                brave firefighters are among America's greatest heroes. 
                As we remember the sacrifice of so many firefighters 
                that day, let us draw great strength from their example 
                of selfless service to others. These firefighters 
                embodied the best of the American spirit.

                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 6 through October 
                12, 2002, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 
                6, 2002, pursuant to 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 invite the people of the United States to 
                participate in this observance by flying our Nation's 
                flag over their homes at half-staff on this day, to 
                mark this week with appropriate programs and 
                activities, and to renew efforts throughout the year to 
                prevent fires and their tragic consequences.

[[Page 62864]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand two, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-25897
Filed 10-8-02; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P