[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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.

[[Page 3094]]
117 STAT. 3094

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.
GEORGE W. BUSH