[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 194 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 51737-51738]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24444]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 194 / Thursday, October 8, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 51737]]


                Proclamation 8432 of October 2, 2009

                
Fire Prevention Week, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                As powerful as any force in the natural world, fire 
                deserves our utmost attention. Unchecked, fire can 
                destroy homes, devastate our environment, and, at its 
                worst, injure or fatally harm individuals. Fire 
                Prevention Week is a time to learn about important fire 
                safety issues and empower our communities to stay 
                ``Fire Smart.'' It is also a time to honor our Nation's 
                brave firefighters and volunteers who risk their lives 
                to protect their fellow Americans.

                Every year, thousands of Americans experience fires in 
                their homes and workplaces. We can greatly reduce these 
                tragedies by taking a few, very simple steps. For 
                example, if each of us strives to remain attentive 
                while cooking, to properly dispose of all smoking 
                materials, and to regularly check and replace smoke 
                alarm batteries, we can help keep our families safe 
                from harm and protect personal property. Additional 
                precautionary measures should also include the 
                formation of an emergency plan and the education of our 
                children about the proper ways to handle potentially 
                dangerous situations with fire.

                This week's theme, ``Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get 
                Burned,'' focuses on increasing burn awareness and 
                prevention. We can each do more to avoid severe burns 
                by testing water temperature, remaining aware of open 
                flames, and ensuring that heating elements--such as 
                those in electric stoves, toasters, hair appliances, 
                and space heaters--are secure and operated properly. 
                These easy, common sense practices can help Americans 
                avoid suffering painful burns.

                Fire can have a devastating impact on the life of an 
                individual or family, and it can have far-reaching 
                financial and human consequences. Wildfires can burn 
                hundreds of acres and affect numerous communities, 
                while household fires can spread to neighboring 
                buildings. These and other emergency situations can 
                endanger the lives of not only the public, but also our 
                rescue workers and firefighters. During Fire Prevention 
                Week, we are reminded of the dangers of fire, we honor 
                the brave men and women who protect us from it, and we 
                recommit ourselves to its responsible use.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim October 4 through 
                October 10, 2009, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, 
                October 4, 2009, in accordance with Public Law 107-51, 
                the flag of the United States will be flown at half 
                staff on all Federal office buildings in honor of the 
                National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I call 
                on all Americans to participate in this observance with 
                appropriate programs and activities and by renewing 
                their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic 
                consequences.

[[Page 51738]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                second day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-24444
Filed 10-7-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P