Whereas, The state of Michigan is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our state; and,

Whereas, Fire is a serious public safety concern, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk; and,

Whereas, Each year, roughly 3,000 people die as a result of house fires, and more than 200,000 individuals are seen in emergency rooms for burn injuries; and,

Whereas, Thermal burns outnumber scalds nearly two-to-one, but for children ages five and under, scalds outnumber burns roughly two-to-one; and,

Whereas, Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while heating equipment and smoking are the leading causes of home fire deaths; and,

Whereas, Michigan's first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and,

Whereas, Michigan residents are taking the necessary steps to increase safety in their own homes by planning and practicing a home fire escape plan to increase the likelihood of survival and to escape a house fire with minimal or no injuries at all; and,

Whereas, The 2009 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned" effectively serves as a reminder of the simple actions we all can take to stay safe from fire during Fire Prevention Week and year-round;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of October 4, 2009, Fire Prevention Week in Michigan.  I urge all residents of the state of Michigan to protect their homes and families by heeding the important safety messages of Fire Prevention Week and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Michigan's fire and emergency services.