Bill Clinton

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”