[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 11 (Monday, March 19, 2007)]
[Page 344]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8113--National Poison Prevention Week, 2007

 March 16, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

     In the 45 years since the first National Poison Prevention Week was 
proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy, many lives have been saved from 
unintentional poisoning through awareness efforts across our country. 
This week, we reaffirm our commitment to the safety of our fellow 
citizens and to guarding against accidental poisonings.
     Protecting our children is a solemn and special responsibility, and 
we must all continue to work to reduce the number of poison-related 
injuries and deaths. I encourage parents to make homes safer by keeping 
toxic substances sealed and out of reach and by carefully reading the 
labels on medicines before giving them to children and on household 
products before using them around children. In addition, carbon monoxide 
alarms can help protect against carbon monoxide poisoning, which claims 
the lives of hundreds of Americans each year.
     If a poisoning is suspected, citizens can reach their nearest 
Poison Control Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 
1-800-222-1222. This number should be called immediately at the first 
sign of a suspected poison emergency. The Poison Prevention Week Council 
website, poisonprevention.org, can provide additional information about 
poison prevention. By staying informed, being proactive, and remaining 
vigilant, we can avoid poison exposure and save more lives.
     To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers of 
accidental poisonings and take appropriate preventive measures, the 
Congress, by joint resolution approved September 26, 1961, as amended 
(75 Stat. 681), has authorized and requested the President to issue a 
proclamation designating the third week of March each year as ``National 
Poison Prevention Week.''
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, do hereby proclaim March 18 through March 24, 2007, as 
National Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to 
participate in appropriate activities this week and to learn how to 
prevent poisonings, especially among children.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day 
of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., March 20, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
March 21.