National Hurricane Awareness Week, 2002

Proclamation 7560 of May 13, 2002

National Hurricane Awareness Week, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Hurricanes can devastate our communities, endangering
thousands of human lives and causing billions of
dollars in property damage. Stemming from the ocean,
the atmosphere, and heat from the sea, hurricanes bring
with them the potential for high winds, tornadoes,
torrential rains, flooding, and ocean water storm
surges. Their fierce and destructive power requires
that we all take steps to reduce our vulnerability to
this natural hazard.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, an average of ten tropical storms
develop annually over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean
Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Every year, an average of six
of these storms grow strong enough to become
hurricanes. Approximately five hurricanes strike the
United States coastline every 3 years. Out of these,
two will have winds above 111 miles per hour,
qualifying them as major hurricanes. The resulting high
winds and high waves can seriously damage homes,
businesses, public buildings, and critical
infrastructure, and ultimately have the potential to
injure people and claim lives.

To help avoid damage and help ensure the public's
safety from hurricane hazards, FEMA recommends a
variety of preventative steps for both individuals and
communities. For example, construction measures can
help minimize property destruction. These include
installing storm shutters over exposed glass and adding
hurricane straps to hold the roof of a structure to its
walls and foundation. More complex measures, such as
elevating coastal homes and businesses, can further
reduce a property's susceptibility. In addition,
communities can reduce their vulnerability by adopting
wind- and flood-resistant building codes and by
implementing sound land-use planning.

More than 50 million people live along hurricane-prone
coastlines in the United States, with millions of
tourists visiting these areas annually. During National
Hurricane Awareness Week, I encourage those who live in
coastal areas, as well as all concerned Americans, to
be more vigilant in preparing for hurricanes and other
natural disasters before they occur. By promoting
awareness of hurricane hazards and helping with relief
efforts when these powerful storms strike, we can
reduce the risks of hurricane damage and help our
neighbors recover more quickly from their devastating
effects. With preparation, forecasting, and
coordination, we can save lives and improve our
Nation's ability to withstand the impact of hurricanes.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 May 19 through May 25, 2002,
as National Hurricane Awareness Week. I call on
government agencies, private organizations, schools,
news media, and residents in hurricane-prone areas to
share information about hurricane preparedness and
response in order to help prevent storm damage and save
lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B