Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 195 / Friday, October 8, 2010 / Presidential Documents 62307 

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. 


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62308 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 195 / Friday, October 8, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 2010–25577 

Filed 10–7–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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