National Preparedness Month, 2013

Proclamation 9009 of August 30, 2013

National Preparedness Month, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Time and again, America faces crises that test our
readiness and challenge our resolve--from natural
disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods to
shootings, cyber incidents, and even acts of terrorism.
While my Administration is working tirelessly to avert
national tragedies, it is every American's
responsibility to be prepared. By planning for
emergencies, individuals can protect themselves and
their families while also contributing to their
communities' resilience. During National Preparedness
Month, we refocus our efforts on readying ourselves,
our families, our neighborhoods, and our Nation for any
crisis we may face.

My Administration is committed to preparing our country
for the full range of threats. In the face of an
emergency, we will continue to cut through red tape and
bolster coordination. At my direction, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency will launch a comprehensive
campaign to build and sustain national preparedness
with private sector, non-profit, and community leaders
and all levels of government. The campaign will be
based on science, research and development, public
outreach, and broad participation. It will aim to
inspire Americans of all ages to increase their
preparedness by moving from awareness to action.

Over this past year, ordinary Americans have stepped up
in moments of trial and tragedy to perform real acts of
heroism. Despite the brave actions of first responders
across America, neighbors and friends are often the
first on the scene after an emergency, and
circumstances can call anyone to become a hero. This
year's National Preparedness Month theme, ``You Can Be
the Hero,'' asks all Americans to ready themselves to
assist in case of emergency. Anyone can improve their
preparedness by making or reviewing emergency plans
with their family and by building a disaster kit with
food, water, and essential supplies. Visit
www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov to see which types of
disasters are most likely for your area and learn more
about what you can do to prepare.

This month, as we reflect on challenges to our
communities, regions, and our Nation, we continue to
lend our support to recovery efforts, and we honor our
first responders by doing our part to build a more
resilient America.

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 September 2013 as
National Preparedness Month. I encourage all Americans
to recognize the importance of preparedness and work
together to enhance our national security, resilience,
and readiness.

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