123STA T . 3 7 1 5PROCL A M AT I O N84 32 — OCT. 2 , 2 0 0 9power o u r c o m mu nit ie s to st ay‘ ‘ F ire S mart .’ ’ I tisa l soatimeto h onor our N ation’s b ra v e f irefi g hters an d volunteers who ris k their lives to protect their fellow A mericans. E very year , thousands of Americans e x perience fires in their homes and workplaces. W e 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 reg - ularly check and replace smoke alarm batteries, we can help keep our families safe from harm and protect personal property. Additional pre- cautionary measures should also include the formation of an emer- gency plan and the education of our children about the proper ways to handle potentially dangerous situations with fire. T his week’s theme, ‘‘Stay Fire Smart !D on’t G et B urned,’’ 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 fam- ily, and it can have far-reaching financial and human conse q uences. Wildfires can burn hundreds of acres and affect numerous commu- nities, 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 P revention Week, we are reminded of the dangers of fire, we honor the brave men and women who protect us from it, and we re- commit ourselves to its responsible use. N O W,T H E R EFORE, I, BARA CK OBA M A, President of the U nited States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 4 through October 10 , 2 00 9 , as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, Oc- tober 4, 2009, in accordance with Public L aw 10 7–5 1, 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 pro- grams and activities and by renewing their efforts to prevent fires and their tragic consequences. 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 Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- fourth. BARACK OBAMA
