Fire Prevention Week, 2010

Proclamation 8577 of October 1, 2010

Fire Prevention Week, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During Fire Prevention Week, we reaffirm the importance
of fire safety and awareness, and we pay tribute to our
firefighters, volunteers, and first responders who put
themselves in harm's way to protect our lives, homes,
and communities every day.

Each of us can take precautions in our homes to
safeguard our loved ones from the hazards of fire.
Smoke alarms are vital detection devices, and properly
installing and maintaining them in the home can help
keep our families safe. Residential sprinkler systems
can give individuals extra time to evacuate a home
safely in case of an emergency as well. This year's
theme, ``Smoke Alarms: A sound you can live with,''
encourages all Americans to test alarms at least once a
month, and to check their batteries and locations.

Parents and caregivers should also take the time to
discuss and practice emergency plans with children in
the event of a fire. Additionally, around the home, it
is important to ensure electronic appliances, machines,
and heating units are plugged in and operated properly.
With responsible use of fire indoors and outdoors--from
safely disposing of matches and cigarettes to increased
attention when cooking on grills or building a
campfire--we can avoid untold numbers of emergencies,
injuries, and lives lost to fire and its consequences.

Fire Prevention Week also calls our attention to the
lifesaving work our firefighters perform in communities
across America. These courageous professionals are the
first ones on the scene during an emergency, fearlessly
charging up smoke-filled staircases as people rush down
them. Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line
of duty. Our Nation is profoundly grateful for the
dedication and tireless efforts of our firefighters and
first responders in their selfless service to our
communities.

I encourage all Americans to take preventative measures
during Fire Prevention Week to protect themselves,
their families, and their communities from the hazards
of fire and to express gratitude to our firefighters
and first responders. Together, we can ensure the
resilience and safety of our neighborhoods, and aid the
brave men and women who risk their lives every day to
protect us.

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 3 through
October 9, 2010, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday,
October 3, 2010, 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
first day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.