Fire Prevention Week, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7602 of October 4, 2002

Fire Prevention Week, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, fires needlessly take lives and destroy
homes, natural habitats, and livelihoods. This year, as
we observe Fire Prevention Week, I ask all citizens to
take responsible steps to prevent fires at home and
outdoors and to ensure that safety and emergency plans
are in place and in practice.

Approximately 3,500 Americans die each year in home
fires; and 85 percent of all annual fire fatalities
occur in residences. To prevent this tragic loss of
life, the National Fire Protection Association, in
partnership with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, the United States Fire Administration, and
America's 26,354 fire departments, is sponsoring the
2002 Fire Prevention Week campaign, ``Team Up for Fire
Safety.'' I encourage all Americans to heed the
recommendations of fire safety experts by ensuring that
every home is equipped with the appropriate number of
properly installed and maintained smoke alarms and that
every family has fire safety and escape plans. These
measures will help to prevent fires and protect our
families, our communities, and our firefighters.

America has faced a devastating wildfire season this
year, and much wildlife habitat has been destroyed by
fires in our overgrown forests. To reduce the threat of
these catastrophic wildfires and to restore the health
of America's forests, we must continue to develop
improved forest management plans. My Healthy Forests
Initiative aims to ensure our environment's health by
thinning dangerous overgrowth. Firefighters and forest
experts agree that we could strengthen the health of
our forests by targeted thinning of dense forests and
quickly restoring fire- damaged areas to prevent
erosion. Through these improved forest policies, we can
protect our citizens, prevent catastrophic fires,
preserve healthy forests, and sustain wildlife habitat.

During Fire Prevention Week, our Nation also gives
thanks for the invaluable service rendered by our
firefighters, who risk their lives to preserve and
protect our communities. These courageous public
servants have inspired us with their dedication and
professionalism. On September 11, 2001, we saw that our
brave firefighters are among America's greatest heroes.
As we remember the sacrifice of so many firefighters
that day, let us draw great strength from their example
of selfless service to others. These firefighters
embodied the best of the American spirit.

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 6 through October
12, 2002, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October
6, 2002, pursuant to 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 invite the people of the United States to
participate in this observance by flying our Nation's
flag over their homes at half-staff on this day, to
mark this week with appropriate programs and
activities, and to renew efforts throughout the year 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 two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B