National Preparedness Month, 2020

Proclamation 10067 of August 31, 2020

National Preparedness Month, 2020

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Preparedness Month, we pause to reflect
on the importance of mitigating the effects of
disasters and tragedies on our lives by devoting time
and resources to being prepared. As we observe National
Preparedness Month this September, I encourage all
Americans to take intentional, precautionary measures
to ensure the resilience of their families, homes,
communities, and businesses.

Over the last year, our Nation has endured and
persevered through many threats. Last week, hurricane
Laura struck the Gulf Coast and affected the lives of
millions in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and
Mississippi. My Administration is monitoring Federal
response efforts and coordinating with State and local
authorities to provide aid to the affected areas. In
recent months, we have also responded to the
coronavirus pandemic with unparalleled vigor and
resolve, leveraging historic partnerships between the
public and private sectors to produce and provide
needed medical equipment and to develop therapeutics
and a vaccine. We remain committed to safely reopening
our country while protecting the most vulnerable among
us. We have also faced wildfires, earthquakes, and
storms, including a devastating weather system on
Easter Sunday of this year that spawned more than 120
tornadoes in the southeastern United States. Despite
the unprecedented nature and scope of the challenges we
have faced, the American people have remained resolute
in their determination to overcome any adversity. My
Administration will continue to work with State, local,
tribal, and territorial partners to ensure the country
is prepared to meet any challenges that may arise.

National Preparedness Month is also an opportunity to
reiterate our gratitude for the selfless service of the
brave men and women who help prepare our Nation for
disasters and take action when they strike. Our first
responders, critical infrastructure and other frontline
workers, and disaster response volunteers often take
great personal risks to perform their duties. These
patriots are essential to the security of our Nation,
and we remain committed to supporting them in their
mission.

Promoting a culture of resilience through preparedness
helps enable communities and individuals to take the
preparatory actions necessary to overcome the threats
and hazards that present themselves. The Federal
Emergency Management Agency's Ready Campaign, which can
be found by accessing Ready.gov, can help all Americans
prepare for crisis situations. This easy-to-use
response can help individuals and families create an
emergency fund for unexpected expenses, set up a
designated shelter area within a home, subscribe to
local emergency alerts on mobile devices, and determine
a reliable out-of-town contact during times of crisis.
By taking these steps, people can mitigate damage and
speed up recovery efforts across the country when
disaster strikes.

During National Preparedness Month, I encourage all
Americans to adopt a proactive mindset and take the
necessary steps to prepare their families and
communities to withstand and recover from unexpected
events. We cannot always know when the next crisis will
occur, but we can know that we will be prepared by
committing ourselves to a culture of resilience.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim September 2020 as
National Preparedness Month. I encourage all Americans,
including Federal, State, tribal, and local officials,
to take action to be prepared for a disaster or an
emergency by making and practicing their emergency
response plans. Each step we take to become better
prepared makes a real difference in how our families
and communities will respond and persevere when faced
with the unexpected.

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