Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 194 / Thursday, October 8, 2009 / Presidential Documents 51737 

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. 


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51738 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 194 / Thursday, October 8, 2009 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. E9–24444 

Filed 10–7–09; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W9–P 


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