    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8577--OCT. 1, 2010

    Proclamation 8577 of October 1, 2010
    Fire Prevention Week, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    During Fire Prevention Week, we reaffirm the importance of fire safety
    and awareness, and we pay tribute to our firefighters, volunteers, and
    first responders who put themselves in harm's way to protect our lives,
    homes, and communities every day.
    Each of us can take precautions in our homes to safeguard our loved ones
    from the hazards of fire. Smoke alarms are vital detection devices, and
    properly installing and maintaining them in the home can help keep our
    families safe. Residential sprinkler systems can give individuals extra
    time to evacuate a home safely in case of an emergency as well. This
    year's theme, ``Smoke Alarms: A sound you can live with,'' encourages
    all Americans to test alarms at least once a month, and to check their
    batteries and locations.
    Parents and caregivers should also take the time to discuss and practice
    emergency plans with children in the event of a fire. Additionally,
    around the home, it is important to ensure electronic appliances,
    machines, and heating units are plugged in and operated properly. With
    responsible use of fire indoors and outdoors--from safely disposing of
    matches and cigarettes to increased attention when cooking on grills or
    building a campfire--we can avoid untold numbers of emergencies,
    injuries, and lives lost to fire and its consequences.
    Fire Prevention Week also calls our attention to the lifesaving work our
    firefighters perform in communities across America. These courageous
    professionals are the first ones on the scene during an emergency,
    fearlessly charging up smoke-filled staircases as people rush down them.
    Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Our Nation is
    profoundly grateful for the dedication and tireless efforts of our
    firefighters and first responders in their selfless service to our
    communities.
    I encourage all Americans to take preventative measures during Fire
    Prevention Week to protect themselves, their families, and their
    communities from the hazards of fire and to express gratitude to our
    firefighters and first responders. Together, we can ensure the
    resilience and safety of our neighborhoods, and aid the brave men and
    women who risk their lives every day to protect us.
    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 3 through
    October 9, 2010, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, Octo-

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    ber 3, 2010, 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 first day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA