[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 54 (Thursday, March 20, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 15631-15632]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06329]



[[Page 15629]]

Vol. 79

Thursday,

No. 54

March 20, 2014

Part III





The President





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Proclamation 9090--National Poison Prevention Week, 2014
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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 54 / Thursday, March 20, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 15631]]

                Proclamation 9090 of March 14, 2014

                
National Poison Prevention Week, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Over the past four decades, America has seen a steep 
                decline in childhood deaths from accidental 
                poisonings--thanks in part to improved safety measures 
                and increased public awareness. During National Poison 
                Prevention Week, we do our part to remain vigilant, ask 
                our loved ones to use common-sense precautions, and 
                learn about the potentially life-saving action we can 
                take in case of emergency.

                While we have made great strides, unintentional 
                poisoning still takes the lives of about 30 American 
                children every year and sends tens of thousands to the 
                hospital. Because the vast majority of these accidents 
                occur in the home, it is essential for parents and 
                caregivers to keep potentially harmful products--
                including cleaning supplies and medication--out of 
                their children's reach and sight. If you ever suspect a 
                child, family member, or anyone has been poisoned, 
                quick action may prevent serious injury or death. You 
                should immediately call the toll-free Poison Help Line 
                at 1-800-222-1222.

                Earlier this year, I signed the Poison Center Network 
                Act, which supports the hotline, a poison prevention 
                grant program, and an awareness campaign. As my 
                Administration promotes safe practices across our 
                country, each of us can make our homes and communities 
                more secure. To safeguard against carbon monoxide, a 
                deadly, colorless, odorless gas, every American should 
                have heating systems inspected each year and install 
                carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. And because 
                prescription drug overdose remains the most common 
                cause of fatal poisoning, we must properly store and 
                dispose of medications. I encourage Americans to visit 
                www.DEAdiversion.USDOJ.gov to read about safe 
                prescription drug disposal and learn how to participate 
                in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on 
                April 26. For information on preventing accidents and 
                helping victims of poisoning, go to 
                PoisonHelp.HRSA.gov.

                To encourage Americans to learn more about the dangers 
                of accidental poisonings and to take appropriate 
                preventative measures, the Congress, by joint 
                resolution approved September 26, 1961, as amended (75 
                Stat. 681) has authorized and requested the President 
                to issue a proclamation designating the third week of 
                March each year as ``National Poison Prevention Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 16 
                through March 22, 2014, as National Poison Prevention 
                Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by 
                taking actions to protect their families from hazardous 
                household materials and misuse of prescription 
                medicines.

[[Page 15632]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                eighth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2014-06329
Filed 3-19-14; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F4