National Poison Prevention Week, 2008

Proclamation 8226 of March 14, 2008

National Poison Prevention Week, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since 1962, National Poison Prevention Week has helped
to raise awareness about the dangers of potentially
poisonous medicines and household chemicals. During
this week, we underscore our commitment to protect our
fellow citizens from accidental poisonings and to
educate families about the preventive steps that can be
taken to ensure the safety of our young people.

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year
across the country. In order to help prevent these
poisonings, parents should place household chemicals
out of the reach of children, keep items in their
original containers, and read the labels and dosages on
all products thoroughly before use. Installing carbon
monoxide alarms in homes to help monitor air quality
can also save lives.

To learn more about the ways to keep children safe and
help prevent poisonings, I encourage all Americans to
visit the Poison Prevention Week Council website at
poisonprevention.org. In case of an emergency,
individuals can contact the nearest Poison Control
Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-222-1222.
By taking precautions, properly supervising children,
and knowing what to do in an emergency, we can protect
the health and well-being of more Americans.

To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers
of accidental poisonings and to 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 16
through March 22, 2008, as National Poison Prevention
Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by
participating in appropriate activities and by learning
how to prevent poisonings.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.