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BY THE PRESIDENT
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Fires can take lives, devastate communities, and
destroy our homes and businesses. They pose a threat to Americans
across our Nation, and they cost us billions of dollars each year.
As we mark Fire Prevention Week, we emphasize the importance of
taking steps to prevent fires, and we recognize the selflessness of
those who answer the call to fight these blazes, placing themselves
in danger to help others.
All Americans can protect themselves by taking precautions to guard
against fires. This week's theme, "Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test
Yours Every Month," reminds us of the importance of installing and
maintaining smoke alarms in the places we live and work. Powerful
and unpredictable, fire spreads rapidly and widely. That is why I
encourage every American to develop and practice fire evacuation
plans that will allow for swift exits from regularly visited places.
It is our responsibility to teach our children about fire prevention
and do everything we can to protect our loved ones during these
emergencies. To learn more about fire safety, visit
www.Ready.gov.
This year, our Nation has suffered tragic losses as wildfires ravage
States across our country. As wildfires increase in frequency and
intensity in a changing climate, fire prevention and planning only
become more urgent. My Administration continues to take action to
increase our Nation's preparedness and resiliency, and every person
can do his or her part. Americans who live near woodlands should
clear flammable vegetation away from homes and buildings, and
everyone can be ready by making an emergency kit and discussing
evacuation routes and emergency plans with their families.
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We owe a great debt to our brave first
responders and firefighters who run toward the scene of a
disaster to fight fires. They are heroes who demonstrate
courage, determination, and professionalism every day as they
battle flames and smoke and teach their neighbors how to protect
themselves. During Fire Prevention Week, we recognize our duty
to be vigilant and take action to avert fires, and we remember
the sacrifices of those who gave their lives so others might
live. 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 5 through October 11, 2014,
as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 12, 2014, in accordance
with Public Law 107-51, the flag of the United States will be flown
at half-staff at 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA
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