Fire Prevention Week, 2003

Proclamation 7713 of October 3, 2003

Fire Prevention Week, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More than 1.7 million fires strike American homes,
parks, and businesses each year. This devastation costs
lives, causes injuries, ruins property, and disrupts
businesses. While fires are powerful and destructive,
many fires are preventable. During Fire Prevention
Week, we join with our Nation's first responders to
help prevent fires and ensure the safety of our homes
and communities.

As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, the
National Fire Protection Association is joining forces
with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal
Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fire
Administration to emphasize the importance of being
prepared to protect ourselves, our families, and our
communities. This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is
``When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!''

Across our country, most fire-related deaths occur
where people feel safest--in their own homes. National
surveys reveal that most Americans underestimate the
risk of fire in their homes and lack an emergency
response plan. Fires can grow quickly, and individuals
may have as few as 2 minutes to evacuate. Working smoke
detectors give people more time to escape fires. At
least 94 percent of American homes are equipped with
smoke alarms, yet most home fire deaths happen in homes
where smoke alarms are not working. By installing and
maintaining working smoke alarms on every level of the
home, having a fire emergency response plan, and
evacuating if the alarm sounds, families and
individuals can be ready to respond to a fire.

This week also reminds us of the dangers that brave
first responders face as they risk their lives to fight
fires and protect our communities, our people, and our
natural resources. Our fire services respond to more
than 20 million emergency calls a year. Americans are
grateful for their courage, skill, and commitment to
public safety, and we honor the sacrifice of those who
have been injured or killed in their efforts to protect
us. Through fire safety and prevention, we can save
lives, including those of our firefighters and other
first responders.

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 5 through October
11, 2003, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October
5, 2003, in accordance with 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 urge all Americans to protect their
homes by installing smoke detectors where needed and
regularly checking their existing smoke detectors.
These small efforts will help make our communities
safer for all.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B