[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 41 (Monday, October 17, 1994)]
[Pages 1982-1984]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6736--Fire Prevention Week, 1994

October 7, 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.

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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.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 5:05 p.m., October 11, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
13. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.

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