For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary October 3,
2003 Fire Prevention Week, 2003 By the President of the United
States of America More than 1.7 Million fires strike American
homes, parks, and businesses each year. This devastation costs
lives, causes injuries, ruins property, and disrupts businesses.
While fires are powerful and destructive, many fires are
preventable. During Fire Prevention Week, we join with our
Nation's first responders to help prevent fires and ensure the
safety of our homes and communities. As the official sponsor of
Fire Prevention Week, the National Fire Protection Association
is joining forces with the Department of Homeland Security's
Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fire
Administration to emphasize the importance of being prepared to
protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. This
year's Fire Prevention Week theme is "When Fire Strikes: Get
Out! Stay Out!" Across our country, most fire-related deaths
occur where people feel safest --