[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 40 (Monday, October 6, 1997)]
[Pages 1481-1482]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7032--Fire Prevention Week, 1997

October 3, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Of all the disasters that confront Americans every year, few cause 
more loss of life and property than fire. Across the country each day, 
fire threatens our communities, our livelihoods, and our lives. Last 
year alone, almost 5,000 men, women, and children perished in fires, and 
nearly 80 percent of these deaths occurred in homes. This tragic 
statistic is a call to action for all of us, not only to remain vigilant 
in our efforts to prevent fires, but also to learn how to react quickly 
and sensibly when fires occur.
    Many people do not understand the speed at which fire can spread, 
the intensity of its heat, or the toxic power of its smoke. Because a 
quick, decisive response often means the difference between life and 
death, it is important to learn about fire, to recognize how deadly a 
threat it is, and to react to it immediately. The National Fire 
Protection Association, in partnership with the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency and our Nation's fire services, has selected ``Know 
When to Go! React Fast To Fire!'' as the theme of this year's Fire 
Prevention Week. This theme reinforces a simple but essential element of 
fire safety: escape planning.
    Because approximately 80 percent of last year's fatal fires occurred 
in the home, every family should develop a home escape plan. If a smoke 
or fire alarm sounds, everyone must react quickly. When away from home, 
we need to make it a habit to locate the nearest exit in any building we 
occupy. Most important, we must never reenter a burning building.
    By following these basic safety rules, we can save lives and reduce 
the risks to our Nation's firefighters. Every 16 seconds, a fire 
department responds to a fire somewhere in the United States. Last year, 
thousands of firefighters were injured, and 92 made the ultimate 
sacrifice in the line of duty. Our Nation will acknowledge the 
extraordinary dedication of these valiant men and women by paying 
tribute to America's career and volunteer firefighters on Sunday, 
October 5, 1997, at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in 
Emmitsburg, Maryland.
    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 October 5 
through October 11, 1997, as Fire Prevention Week. I encourage the 
people of the United States to take an active role in fire prevention 
not only during this week, but throughout the year. I also call upon all 
Americans to honor the courageous members of our Nation's fire and 
emergency services by learning about the dangers posed by fire and by 
preparing their friends and family members to react immediately and 
safely to fires when they occur.

[[Page 1482]]

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of 
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-second.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 7, 
1997]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 8.