Fire Prevention Week, 2009

Proclamation 8432 of October 2, 2009

Fire Prevention Week, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As powerful as any force in the natural world, fire
deserves our utmost attention. Unchecked, fire can
destroy homes, devastate our environment, and, at its
worst, injure or fatally harm individuals. Fire
Prevention Week is a time to learn about important fire
safety issues and empower our communities to stay
``Fire Smart.'' It is also a time to honor our Nation's
brave firefighters and volunteers who risk their lives
to protect their fellow Americans.

Every year, thousands of Americans experience fires in
their homes and workplaces. We can greatly reduce these
tragedies by taking a few, very simple steps. For
example, if each of us strives to remain attentive
while cooking, to properly dispose of all smoking
materials, and to regularly check and replace smoke
alarm batteries, we can help keep our families safe
from harm and protect personal property. Additional
precautionary measures should also include the
formation of an emergency plan and the education of our
children about the proper ways to handle potentially
dangerous situations with fire.

This week's theme, ``Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get
Burned,'' focuses on increasing burn awareness and
prevention. We can each do more to avoid severe burns
by testing water temperature, remaining aware of open
flames, and ensuring that heating elements--such as
those in electric stoves, toasters, hair appliances,
and space heaters--are secure and operated properly.
These easy, common sense practices can help Americans
avoid suffering painful burns.

Fire can have a devastating impact on the life of an
individual or family, and it can have far-reaching
financial and human consequences. Wildfires can burn
hundreds of acres and affect numerous communities,
while household fires can spread to neighboring
buildings. These and other emergency situations can
endanger the lives of not only the public, but also our
rescue workers and firefighters. During Fire Prevention
Week, we are reminded of the dangers of fire, we honor
the brave men and women who protect us from it, and we
recommit ourselves to its responsible use.

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 4 through
October 10, 2009, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday,
October 4, 2009, in accordance with Public Law 107-51,
the flag of the United States will be flown at half
staff on 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
second day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.