[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9034--OCT. 4, 2013

Proclamation 9034 of October 4, 2013

Fire Prevention Week, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Fires take more American lives than all other natural disasters
combined. They inflict devastating tolls on families and communities,
and they cost our Nation billions of dollars each year. During Fire
Prevention Week, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who put their
lives on the line to pull their neighbors out of harm's way, and pledge
to do our part to prevent fires in our homes, our cities, and the great
outdoors.
We all have a responsibility to protect our families against fire. We
should be cautious while cooking, using electrical appliances, and
heating our homes. Those who live in areas prone to wildfires can help
safeguard their homes by clearing flammable vegetation, and they should
plan for emergencies by building a supply kit and talking with their
families about a communications plan and evacuation routes. Every
American should install working smoke detectors on each level of their
home and remember to test them monthly. It is also essential



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to develop
and practice evacuation plans twice a year. Because fire spreads rapidly
and poisonous, disorienting smoke moves even quicker, families should
design plans that allow for the quickest possible exit. To learn more
about taking precautions against fires, visit www.Ready.gov.
By preventing fires, we can both protect our loved ones and keep
America's firefighters out of unnecessary danger. To save people they
have never met, these skilled professionals battle walls of flame, put
themselves in the paths of unpredictable wildfires, and rush into houses
on the verge of collapse. This week, as we renew our commitment to fire
safety, we thank these courageous first responders for their service and
honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
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 6 through
October 12, 2013, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 6, 2013,
in accordance with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will
be flown at half-staff at 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 fourth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA