[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