Fire Prevention Week, 1994

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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.

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