[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 39 (Monday, October 6, 2008)]
[Pages 1293-1294]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8302--Fire Prevention Week, 2008

 October 3, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to call attention to the 
importance of fire safety, especially in the home, and to honor our 
Nation's firefighters for their heroism.

[[Page 1294]]

    Americans can help reduce home fires by taking simple steps such as 
regularly inspecting furnaces and fireplaces, keeping space heaters at 
least 3 feet from flammable materials, and checking the condition of 
electrical cords. Making sure that smoke alarms and fire extinguishers 
work can also help minimize the impact of home and building fires. I 
encourage all Americans to remember this year's theme--``It's Fire 
Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!''--and to check their homes for 
fire hazards to help prevent disasters.

    Across our Nation, firefighters put themselves at risk to protect 
our communities, and their selfless dedication has saved countless 
lives. America's Bravest hold a cherished place in our hearts, and we 
honor those who have paid the ultimate price to protect citizens in 
harm's way. The sacrifice of these men and women is an inspiration to 
all and epitomizes the true meaning of heroism.

     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, 2008, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 5, 2008, 
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 through 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 third day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.

                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 7, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 8.