National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2012

Proclamation 8830 of May 25, 2012

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every year, hurricanes put communities at risk of
catastrophic damage from storm surges, flooding, high
winds, and tornadoes. During National Hurricane
Preparedness Week, we rededicate ourselves to
preventing loss of life and damage to property by
raising awareness about hurricane hazards and taking
action to protect our families, our homes, and our
neighborhoods.

My Administration is working hand-in-hand with
communities and State and local officials to take
necessary steps to prepare before storms strike. With
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
National Hurricane Center, we continue to advance
accurate tropical storm forecasting that gives
individuals more time to get out of harm's way. And
through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, we are
collaborating with partners across all levels of
government and throughout the private and non-profit
sectors to develop robust systems for disaster
preparedness, response, and recovery. By engaging
voices not only at the State and national levels, but
also within neighborhoods, we empower communities
across America to identify their unique needs and
existing resources that may be used to address them.

A community-based approach to emergency management
begins with an informed public. This week, I encourage
all Americans living in areas that could be impacted by
a hurricane to prepare by creating an emergency supply
kit, learning evacuation routes, and developing a
family communications plan to help ensure loved ones
can find one another before and after a severe storm.
If a hurricane is approaching, take shelter
immediately, follow the directions of State and local
officials, and evacuate if instructed. To learn more
and find additional resources on how to prepare for and
respond to severe weather, visit www.Ready.gov and
www.Weather.gov.

As we mark the beginning of hurricane season, let us
recommit to ensuring the safety of our loved ones and
our communities, and to building a stronger, more
resilient Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 May 27 through June
2, 2012, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I
call upon government agencies, private organizations,
schools, media, and residents in the coastal areas of
our Nation to share information about hurricane
preparedness and response to help save lives and
protect communities.

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