[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 41 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Page 2259]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7824--Fire Prevention Week, 2004

 October 4, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity for all Americans to learn 
more about how to avoid fires, as well as how to best respond in case of 
such an emergency. By making fire safety a priority, we can help limit 
the devastating effects of fires and enhance the safety of our citizens.
    A large majority of fire deaths in the United States occur in the 
home. This year's theme, ``It's Fire Prevention Week: Test Your Smoke 
Alarms,'' reflects the importance of installing and maintaining working 
smoke alarms on every floor of the home. As vital early warning systems, 
smoke alarms reduce the chances of a fire becoming fatal by 
approximately 50 percent. Americans can also take steps to reduce the 
chance of a fire ever starting. These include using electrical devices 
safely, avoiding overloading circuits, and carefully operating stoves, 
fireplaces, and space heaters. We should also supervise our children and 
educate them about the dangers of lighters and matches, exercise care in 
the storing of firewood and other flammable materials, and obey local 
burning laws. More information about these and other measures is 
available from the National Fire Protection Association and the 
Department of Homeland Security's United States Fire Administration.
    Firefighters are among our greatest heroes, and they risk their 
lives each day to protect our citizens and our homeland. All Americans 
owe them a debt of gratitude for their courage and dedication. By 
working to prevent disasters and by being prepared, we support 
firefighters as they serve communities across our Nation.
    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 3 through October 
9, 2004, as Fire Prevention Week. I call upon the people of the United 
States to observe this week with appropriate activities and to undertake 
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 four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 6, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
7.