    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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.

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    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