[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 41 (Monday, October 15, 2001)]
[Pages 1427-1428]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7480--Fire Prevention Week, 2001

October 5, 2001

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The well-being of our Nation's citizens requires that families, 
communities, emergency workers, and health professionals work together 
to ensure the highest levels of public safety. This goal is particularly 
important with respect to fire prevention. The 2000 National Fire 
Experience Survey, conducted by the National Fire Protection Association 
(NFPA), reveals that fire claimed more than 4,000 American lives last 
year. In 2000, fire killed someone every 130 minutes and injured someone 
every 24 minutes. Fire also takes a significant economic toll on 
America, accounting for more than $11 billion in property loss last 
year.
    In the United States, fires caused by cooking, heating, or 
electricity amount to almost half of all home fires. These accidental 
fires, though common, are also among the most preventable. Their high 
rates of occurrence point to the vital importance of safety and 
knowledge in helping to prevent these types of fires and thereby avoid 
the tragic deaths and serious injuries that they can cause.
    This year marks the annual observance of Fire Prevention Week, 
sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association. The event's 
theme, ``Cover the Bases and Strike Out Fire,'' encourages children and 
families to take an active role in preventing home fires and the 
injuries and deaths they cause, by conducting home fire safety 
inspections and preparing and practicing home fire drills. The NFPA is 
joining forces with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, through the 
United States Fire Administration, and with fire departments throughout 
the country to raise awareness of the leading causes

[[Page 1428]]

of home fires and encourage the actions that may be taken to prevent 
them. I urge all Americans to learn more about fire prevention and to 
take steps to better ensure the safety of our homes, places of work, and 
other public structures.
    During this year's observance, I also call on Americans to join me 
in expressing appreciation for the devotion and dedication of our 
Nation's firefighters and other emergency response personnel. These 
brave men and women provide the first line of emergency response to a 
multitude of disasters and risk their own security and well-being to 
save the lives of others. As recent events in our Nation have 
demonstrated, these fine Americans truly exemplify selfless service and 
heroism. They serve to make our towns, cities, and communities safer 
places for all.
    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 7 through October 
13, 2001, as Fire Prevention Week. I call upon the people of the United 
States to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities and 
to renew efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences for 
human health and safety.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.

                                                George W. Bush
      

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 12:11 p.m., October 9, 
2001]

      

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
10. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.