[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 197 (Thursday, October 13, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52065-52066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-25549]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: October 13, 1994]




                        Presidential Documents 



                Proclamation 6736 of October 7, 1994

 

Fire Prevention Week, 1994

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The United States has made tremendous advances through 
                the years in reducing the terrible toll that fire takes 
                on our citizens. In 1925, when President Calvin 
                Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention 
                Week, he noted that nearly 15,000 lives were lost each 
                year to fire in our country. Fortunately, the numbers 
                we report today are considerably lower. Despite this 
                important trend, the vast majority of fire fatalities--
                almost 80 percent--still occur in our homes, in the 
                places where we should feel safest.

                A key line of defense against home fires is the 
                protection provided by smoke detectors. But smoke 
                detectors must be operating properly to furnish the 
                early warning necessary to allow safe escape from a 
                fire. Even though 90 percent of our Nation's homes have 
                at least one smoke detector installed, about one-third 
                of all homes in which fires occurred had smoke 
                detectors that were not functioning correctly, usually 
                because of faulty or missing batteries. To emphasize 
                the importance of keeping our smoke detectors in good 
                working order, the United States Fire Administration 
                and the National Fire Protection Association are 
                working with our Nation's fire service and other 
                emergency management professionals to communicate 
                effectively this year's Fire Prevention Week theme, 
                ``Test Your Detector for Life.''

                Early warning of fire and smoke is critical because the 
                majority of deaths as a result of home fires occur at 
                night when people are most vulnerable. Smoke usually 
                does not awaken us--instead it induces a deeper sleep. 
                We need smoke detectors to alert us to the danger. 
                During Fire Prevention Week, 1994, and throughout the 
                entire year, it is important to remember four key 
                points about home smoke detectors. First, make sure you 
                have enough detectors. One detector should be installed 
                outside each sleeping area and on every level of the 
                home. As an added measure of protection, consider 
                installing a smoke detector inside each bedroom. 
                Second, test smoke detectors every month. Third, 
                replace the batteries at least once a year. Fourth, 
                replace your smoke detectors with new units if they are 
                more than 10 years old. These four simple points could 
                save lives and avoid serious injuries should a fire 
                occur.

                As we all think about the lifesaving message of Fire 
                Prevention Week, let us also consider the dedication of 
                the brave men and women of our Nation's fire service 
                who risk their lives regularly to protect us. Last 
                year, 78 firefighters died in the line of duty, with an 
                estimated 101,500 injuries. These courageous 
                individuals will be honored on Sunday, October 16, 
                1994, during the Thirteenth Annual National Fallen 
                Firefighters Memorial Service at the National Fire 
                Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

                Also deserving recognition are those who work within 
                public and private organizations to reduce the toll 
                exacted by fire. Further, we must recognize the efforts 
                of public officials, educators, business leaders, and 
                community and volunteer organizations that are working 
                together to create a safer America.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 the week beginning October 
                9, 1994, as Fire Prevention Week. I call upon the 
                people of the United States to plan and participate in 
                fire prevention activities, both this week and 
                throughout the year. I also ask all Americans to pay 
                tribute to those firefighters who have lost their lives 
                in the line of duty and to those men and women who 
                continue in the noble tradition of service to their 
                communities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and nineteenth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)>

[FR Doc. 94-25549
Filed 10-11-94; 5:05 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P