[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 41 (Monday, October 13, 2003)]
[Page 1327]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7713--Fire Prevention Week, 2003

 October 3, 2003

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    More than 1.7 million fires strike American homes, parks, and 
businesses each year. This devastation costs lives, causes injuries, 
ruins property, and disrupts businesses. While fires are powerful and 
destructive, many fires are preventable. During Fire Prevention Week, we 
join with our Nation's first responders to help prevent fires and ensure 
the safety of our homes and communities.
    As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, the National Fire 
Protection Association is joining forces with the Department of Homeland 
Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States 
Fire Administration to emphasize the importance of being prepared to 
protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. This year's Fire 
Prevention Week theme is ``When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!''
    Across our country, most fire-related deaths occur where people feel 
safest--in their own homes. National surveys reveal that most Americans 
underestimate the risk of fire in their homes and lack an emergency 
response plan. Fires can grow quickly, and individuals may have as few 
as 2 minutes to evacuate. Working smoke detectors give people more time 
to escape fires. At least 94 percent of American homes are equipped with 
smoke alarms, yet most home fire deaths happen in homes where smoke 
alarms are not working. By installing and maintaining working smoke 
alarms on every level of the home, having a fire emergency response 
plan, and evacuating if the alarm sounds, families and individuals can 
be ready to respond to a fire.
    This week also reminds us of the dangers that brave first responders 
face as they risk their lives to fight fires and protect our 
communities, our people, and our natural resources. Our fire services 
respond to more than 20 million emergency calls a year. Americans are 
grateful for their courage, skill, and commitment to public safety, and 
we honor the sacrifice of those who have been injured or killed in their 
efforts to protect us. Through fire safety and prevention, we can save 
lives, including those of our firefighters and other first responders.
    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 5 through October 
11, 2003, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 5, 2003, in 
accordance with Public Law 107-51, flags will be flown at half staff on 
all Federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen 
Firefighters Memorial Service. I urge all Americans to protect their 
homes by installing smoke detectors where needed and regularly checking 
their existing smoke detectors. These small efforts will help make our 
communities safer for all.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 7, 
2003]

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