Fire Prevention Week, 2009 — Historical Half-Staff Archive

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

A week of prevention and a day of remembrance

Proclamation 8432 brought together fire prevention and remembrance of fallen firefighters. Its week-long observance encouraged communities to reduce the risks of fire, while its half-staff provision honored the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on one specified Sunday. The two periods should not be confused: October 4–10 was Fire Prevention Week, but October 4 was the flag observance.

The 2009 theme, “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned,” focused on burn awareness and prevention. President Obama described both the personal harm caused by fires and the dangers faced by firefighters and rescue workers. That connection gives the proclamation its meaning: protecting communities also means recognizing those who accept danger in serving them.

The scope of the half-staff provision

The proclamation stated that the United States flag would be flown at half staff on all Federal office buildings on Sunday, October 4, 2009, in accordance with Public Law 107–51. It did not extend that specified flag period to the entire week. Its broader invitation asked Americans to participate in programs and activities and renew their efforts to prevent fires.

The formal document is dated October 2, 2009; its Federal Register publication followed on October 8. The full text below preserves the historical prevention message as written, alongside the exact flag instruction.

Full official proclamation text

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.

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.

BARACK OBAMA

Official federal proclamation text from Federal Register pages 51737–51738. Page headings and line wrapping are omitted for readability; the signature is represented by the name above.

Verify the official document

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

Find related historical directives in the Presidential Half-Staff Archive.

Signature page from the official published proclamation

Select the published page to open the official PDF.

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