[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 39 (Monday, October 4, 1993)]
[Pages 1939-1940]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6601--Fire Prevention Week, 1993

 September 30, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Fire kills more Americans each year than all natural disasters 
combined, including floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes. 
Unlike these natural disasters, many fire losses can be prevented. 
During this annual observance of Fire Prevention Week, we must make our 
fellow citizens more conscious of the dangers of fire and of what to do 
when fires occur.
    This year's Fire Prevention Week theme, ``Get Out, Stay Out: Your 
Fire Safe Response,'' drives home the importance of planning for fire 
emergencies before they occur. The United States Fire Administration and 
the National Fire Protection Association are working with the Nation's 
fire service to spread this important message. Time and time again, 
firefighters respond to fatal fires where residents didn't take the time 
to learn and practice alternate means of escape, or

[[Page 1940]]

they did not realize the need to get out quickly and stay out. We need 
to teach our children that fires are not at all like they see in movies; 
fire spreads quickly and can rapidly become deadly. Thick smoke makes it 
difficult to see and breathe, and the temperature is scorching. The 
number one priority in every fire is to escape from the building and 
stay out.
    I urge all Americans to learn how to respond quickly in case of a 
fire emergency, and I urge our Nation's employers to provide a fire 
emergency response plan for the workplace so that all employees will 
know what to do if fire occurs. Effective fire escape plans should 
include two ways out of every room, and assurance that all exists are 
accessible. Windows painted shut, blocked doors, and security bars can 
be deadly hazards that can trap fire victims inside and hinder rescuers' 
attempts from outside. Equally important, we must resist any temptation 
to reenter a burning building. No valuable is worth as much as a life.
    Fire Prevention Week is a time not only to think about our own 
safety, but also to show our appreciation to the brave men and women who 
risk their safety in our Nation's fire services. Too often, their 
dedication results in the ultimate sacrifice. Last year, 80 firefighters 
died in the line of duty and more than 97,000 were injured. These 
courageous men and women will be honored on Sunday, October 10, 1993, 
during the Twelfth Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service 
at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
    We should also recognize the members of the other public and private 
organizations that are working toward our shared goal of fire safety, 
including the American Burn Association, the American Red Cross, the 
Congressional Fire Service Institute, the Fire Marshals Association of 
North America, the International Association of Arson Investigators, the 
International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, the 
International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association 
of Fire Fighters, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, 
the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and the National 
Volunteer Fire Council. The efforts of these and other organizations 
working for fire safety will be greatly enhanced if we as individual 
citizens learn and practice fire-safe behavior. I also commend the 
efforts of public officials, fire-fighters, educators, business leaders, 
and the community and volunteer organizations who are working together 
to bring about 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 3, 1993, as Fire Prevention Week. I call upon the 
people of the United States to plan and actively participate in fire 
prevention activities not only this week, but throughout the year. I 
also ask all Americans to pay tribute to those firefighters who have 
made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 5:11 p.m., September 30, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
4.