[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 195 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 58255-58256]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-25651]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 195 / Wednesday, October 8, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 58255]]


                Proclamation 7713 of 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.

[[Page 58256]]

                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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-25651
Filed 10-7-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P