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 Proclamations Proc. 7602 dedication and vigilance, we can increase safety for thousands of our citi- zens and bring hope to countless Americans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2002 as National Do- mestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to become a part of the coordinated community response to domestic violence and to send the message that this crime will not be tolerated in our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of Oc- tober, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7602 of October 4, 2002 Fire Prevention Week, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every year, fires needlessly take lives and destroy homes, natural habitats, and livelihoods. This year, as we observe Fire Prevention Week, I ask all citizens to take responsible steps to prevent fires at home and outdoors and to ensure that safety and emergency plans are in place and in practice. Approximately 3,500 Americans die each year in home fires; and 85 per- cent of all annual fire fatalities occur in residences. To prevent this tragic loss of life, the National Fire Protection Association, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Fire Admin- istration, and America's 26,354 fire departments, is sponsoring the 2002 Fire Prevention Week campaign, "Team Up for Fire Safety." I encourage all Americans to heed the recommendations of fire safety experts by ensuring that every home is equipped with the appropriate number of properly in- stalled and maintained smoke alarms and that every family has fire safety and escape plans. These measures will help to prevent fires and protect our families, our communities, and our firefighters. America has faced a devastating wildfire season this year, and much wild- life habitat has been destroyed by fires in our overgrown forests. To reduce the threat of these catastrophic wildfires and to restore the health of Amer- ica's forests, we must continue to develop improved forest management plans. My Healthy Forests Initiative aims to ensure our environment's health by thinning dangerous overgrowth. Firefighters and forest experts agree that we could strengthen the health of our forests by targeted thinning of dense forests and quickly restoring fire- damaged areas to pre- vent erosion. Through these improved forest policies, we can protect our citizens, prevent catastrophic fires, preserve healthy forests, and sustain wildlife habitat. During Fire Prevention Week, our Nation also gives thanks for the invalu- able service rendered by our firefighters, who risk their lives to preserve and protect our communities. These courageous public servants have in- 143

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