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Each year, one week in October is set aside for Fire Prevention Week
to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 which killed 250 people and
left 100,000 people homeless in conjunction with the National Fire Protection
Association. Following President Woodrow Wilson’s example first set
in 1920, President Bush has signed a proclamation declaring October 9 –
15 Fire Prevention Week, the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire.
Fire Prevention Week is a time to educate citizens about fire prevention
and safety. Candles should never be left unattended, fire alarms
in homes, schools, and businesses should be tested to ensure they work,
and parents should educate their children about home fire escape plans
and what to do in case of a fire. I encourage you to visit www.firepreventionweek.org
to learn more about fire prevention and safety.
This week, we honor our nation’s firefighters. Day after day,
in communities large and small across our great nation, these first responders
put themselves in harm’s way to protect our nation’s children, working
families, and seniors. Each year, it is estimated that 100 firefighters
die in the line of duty. We will forever be indebted to these brave
first responders who risk their lives day in and day out to keep our communities
safe.
Recently, Congress passed $31.9 billion for Homeland Security Appropriations
for Fiscal Year 2006, four percent more than Fiscal Year 2005 funding levels.
This conference report funds the Department of Homeland Security and major
grant programs important to first responders, including $3.3 billion for
preparedness grant programs.
As we commemorate Fire Prevention Week this October, we are especially
grateful to our first responders in the aftermath of September 11th, Hurricane
Katrina and Hurricane Rita. As your Representative in the United
States Congress, I will continue to fight for funding and the needs of
our firefighters in our nation’s capital. |
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