PROCLAMATION 6736—OCT. 7, 1994 108 STAT. 5643 hold, Americans across the country join in recognizing this special day every year. In honor of Leif Erikson—son of Iceland, grandson of Norway—and of the vibrant Nordic American culture that continues to grace our Nation, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on September 2, 1964 (Public Law 88-566), has authorized and requested the President to designate October 9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day." NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 1994, as Leif Erikson Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this occasion by learning more about our rich Nordic-American heritage. 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 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 in-
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