Fire Prevention Week, 2014

Proclamation 9185 of October 3, 2014

Fire Prevention Week, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Fires can take lives, devastate communities, and
destroy our homes and businesses. They pose a threat to
Americans across our Nation, and they cost us billions
of dollars each year. As we mark Fire Prevention Week,
we emphasize the importance of taking steps to prevent
fires, and we recognize the selflessness of those who
answer the call to fight these blazes, placing
themselves in danger to help others.

All Americans can protect themselves by taking
precautions to guard against fires. This week's theme,
``Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month,''
reminds us of the importance of installing and
maintaining smoke alarms in the places we live and
work. Powerful and unpredictable, fire spreads rapidly
and widely. That is why I encourage every American to
develop and practice fire evacuation plans that will
allow for swift exits from regularly visited places. It
is our responsibility to teach our children about fire
prevention and do everything we can to protect our
loved ones during these emergencies. To learn more
about fire safety, visit www.Ready.gov.

This year, our Nation has suffered tragic losses as
wildfires ravage States across our country. As
wildfires increase in frequency and intensity in a
changing climate, fire prevention and planning only
become more urgent. My Administration continues to take
action to increase our Nation's preparedness and
resiliency, and every person can do his or her part.
Americans who live near woodlands should clear
flammable vegetation away from homes and buildings, and
everyone can be ready by making an emergency kit and
discussing evacuation routes and emergency plans with
their families.

We owe a great debt to our brave first responders and
firefighters who run toward the scene of a disaster to
fight fires. They are heroes who demonstrate courage,
determination, and professionalism every day as they
battle flames and smoke and teach their neighbors how
to protect themselves. During Fire Prevention Week, we
recognize our duty to be vigilant and take action to
avert fires, and we remember the sacrifices of those
who gave their lives so others might live.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States do hereby proclaim October 5 through
October 11, 2014, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday,
October 12, 2014, in accordance with Public Law 107-51,
the flag of the United States will be flown at half-
staff at all Federal office buildings in honor of the
National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. I call
on all Americans to participate in this observance with
appropriate programs and activities and by renewing
their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic
consequences.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
third day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.