National Preparedness Month, 2007

Proclamation 8170 of August 30, 2007

National Preparedness Month, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to raise
awareness about the importance of emergency
preparedness and to encourage all Americans to better
prepare their homes and communities for emergencies.

Protecting America's homeland and citizens is the
shared responsibility of the entire Nation. Individuals
can prepare themselves and their families for
emergencies by taking simple steps such as organizing
an emergency supply kit, making a personal preparedness
plan, becoming informed about different threats, and
getting involved in preparing their community. These
activities create a culture of preparedness and can
help save lives.

My Administration continues to improve our Nation's
ability to prepare for emergencies. The Department of
Homeland Security is working with other Federal, State,
and local government organizations, as well as the
private sector, to prevent, respond to, and recover
from all types of emergencies. Together, Americans can
significantly enhance the level of national
preparedness to further safeguard our communities and
secure our homeland.

This month is also an opportunity to pay tribute to
America's first responders who put themselves at risk
for the safety of their fellow citizens. These brave
police officers, firefighters, and emergency service
personnel exemplify the compassion and commitment that
help strengthen our country. We will be forever
grateful for their service and sacrifice.

During National Preparedness Month, I encourage all
Americans to get involved in their community's
preparedness efforts. Citizens may visit ready.gov and
citizencorps.gov to learn more about emergency
preparedness and ways to take action.

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 September 2007 as National
Preparedness Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to recognize the importance of preparing
for potential emergencies and to observe this month by
participating in appropriate events, activities, and
preparedness programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.