[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8432--OCT. 2, 2009

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 em-

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power 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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA