National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2007

Proclamation 8146 of May 18, 2007

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each year, millions of Americans living in coastal
areas are faced with the hazards of hurricanes. As
hurricane season approaches, National Hurricane
Preparedness Week provides an opportunity to raise
awareness of steps that can be taken to help protect
our citizens, and their communities and property.

Hurricanes can be devastatingly powerful and include
storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. To
reduce the potentially deadly effects of these storms,
it is imperative for people in hurricane-prone areas to
prepare for each type of hurricane hazard. Taking the
time to develop a family disaster plan, create a
disaster supply kit, and stay aware of current weather
situations can improve preparedness and help save
lives.

My Administration is committed to strengthening our
Nation's ability to prepare for, respond to, and
recover from these types of disasters. I've asked the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to find ways
to provide better assistance to those affected by
catastrophe. FEMA has enhanced coordination between all
levels of government during times of crisis and, along
with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, is helping raise awareness about the
dangers of hurricanes. In addition, the Department of
Homeland Security and FEMA provide Americans with
important emergency preparation checklists and valuable
resources about what to do after a disaster at
ready.gov and fema.gov. By working together, citizens
and Federal, State, local, and tribal officials can
help safeguard lives and protect property.

Throughout the hurricane season, we are also grateful
for the compassion, courage, and generosity of the
volunteers and first responders who stand ready to help
their neighbors in need. Their good hearts reflect the
character of our Nation.

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 20 through May 26, 2007,
as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon
government agencies, private organizations, schools,
and the media to share information about hurricane
preparedness. I also urge all Americans living in
vulnerable coastal areas of our Nation to take
appropriate measures and precautions to protect
themselves against the effects of hurricanes.

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