Fire Prevention Week, 2012 - Historical Half-Staff Archive

Historical notice: this observance has ended. This independent FORTISVEX resource preserves a past presidential proclamation; it is not a government notice.

Prevention and remembrance in the same proclamation

President Obama's 2012 proclamation addresses both everyday fire prevention and the service of firefighters. It discusses the loss caused by home fires and wildfires, encourages household preparedness, and honors first responders who put themselves at risk for others.

The document connects prevention with remembrance: practical steps to reduce danger accompany a tribute to firefighters who died protecting their communities. Its final paragraph establishes the commemorative week and identifies a specific day for the flag tribute.

One half-staff day within a week of observance

Fire Prevention Week ran from October 7 through October 13, 2012. The flag instruction was narrower: on Sunday, October 7, the United States flag was to fly at half-staff on all federal office buildings in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. The proclamation cites Public Law 107–51 as the authority for that observance.

That wording does not direct a full week of half-staff display. It also differs from proclamations that explicitly list embassies, naval vessels, and military installations.

October 5 is the formal document date used for this archive entry; October 12 is its Federal Register publication date. The prevention recommendations below are quoted as historical presidential text. Readers seeking current preparedness guidance can consult the official Ready.gov resource named in the proclamation.

Full official proclamation text

Proclamation 8881 of October 5, 2012 — Fire Prevention Week, 2012
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Every year, fires in and around homes nationwide put thousands of Americans in harm’s way. From the loss of a home to the tragic passing of a loved one, the devastation these disasters leave in their wake is heartbreaking. During Fire Prevention Week, we resolve to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from fires, and we honor the courageous first responders who put their lives at risk to keep us safe.

All of us can take meaningful steps to reduce the risk of fire in our homes. I encourage all Americans to install and maintain smoke alarms, test smoke alarm batteries regularly, and follow safe practices in the kitchen and when using electrical appliances. Families should also develop and practice a fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room. To learn more about these and other simple precautions against home fires, visit www.Ready.gov.

This year, wildfires caused profound damage to communities across our country, and our Nation mourned the loss of life that followed. These events reminded us that wildfires are often unpredictable, which is why it is essential for people in areas at risk to practice proper fire prevention and preparedness. Those who live in regions prone to wildfire can take action by clearing flammable vegetation, preparing an emergency supply kit, and sharing evacuation routes and a communications plan with their family in case of emergency. Individuals who see a wildfire should report it by calling 911, and if advised, evacuate immediately.

As we mark Fire Prevention Week by recommitting to preparedness, we also extend our thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by fires this year—including the brave first responders who fought them. Summoning courage in crisis and bringing discipline and professionalism to the job each and every day, America’s firefighters are heroes in every sense. This week, we express our deepest gratitude for their service to our communities and our Nation, and we pay solemn tribute to the men and women who gave their lives to protect our own. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and in their memory, let us rededicate ourselves to preventing tragedy before it strikes.

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 7 through October 13, 2012, as Fire Prevention Week. On Sunday, October 7, 2012, 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.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

Official federal proclamation text from Federal Register pages 62133–62134. Page headings and line wrapping are omitted for readability; the signature is represented by the name above.

Verify the official documents

Read or download the official proclamation PDF from GovInfo · Read the Federal Register record

Browse related historical notices in the Presidential Half-Staff Archive.

Signature page from the official published proclamation

Select the published signature page to open the complete two-page official PDF.

Preparing a remembrance display

Explore U.S. flags at FORTISVEX when choosing a flag for your location. Review each product's size, material, and attachment details for a suitable display.