National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2009

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8386 of May 26, 2009

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Each year, hurricanes threaten the safety of American
families in coastal and inland communities. These
powerful storms can cause heavy rainfall, high winds,
tornadoes, and storm surges, which can in turn bring
severe flooding, power outages, damage to homes and
businesses, and loss of life.

Awareness and preparation are critical to surviving and
recovering from hurricanes. During National Hurricane
Preparedness Week, I call on all Americans--including
private citizens and those working in government,
business, and the nonprofit sector--to plan ahead and
help secure the safety and property of those who face
advancing storms.

Americans can take basic steps before a hurricane
arrives. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and
the National Hurricane Center recommend developing a
family disaster plan, creating and maintaining a
disaster supply kit, securing one's home, and
designating a safe place to go during a storm.
Throughout a storm, individuals should always remain
aware of weather conditions. More information on
precautionary measures is available at
www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml.

Organizations at the local, State, and national level
play important roles to protect Americans from the
effects of hurricanes. Rescue and relief organizations,
the private sector, and the news media work to meet
demands that emerge before, during, and after a
hurricane. Among other services, they distribute safety
information and help coordinate relief activities. My
Administration is committed to strengthening these
efforts and is working every day to prepare for
hurricanes and their potential impacts on everyone in
the United States.

The threat hurricanes pose to lives and property cannot
be eliminated, but preparedness can reduce the dangers
these storms pose for our families and communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 24 through May 30, 2009,
as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon
government agencies, private organizations, media,
community groups, schools, and residents of hurricane-
prone areas to share information about hurricane
preparedness and response to help protect communities
and save lives.

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