National Preparedness Month, 2014

Proclamation 9158 of August 29, 2014

National Preparedness Month, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In times of emergency, our Nation pulls together--
neighbors support each other, communities react with
compassion, and afterward, our country emerges stronger
and more resilient. But before emergencies occur, we
must make sure we are ready to respond, and it is every
American's responsibility to be prepared. There are
simple but important steps we can all take to ensure we
know what to do and have what we need in the event of a
crisis. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity
to talk with our families, friends, and colleagues
about the risks in our communities and to practice our
responses in all the places we regularly visit.

Emergencies--from hurricanes and wildfires to cyber and
terrorist attacks--can strike anywhere at any time.
Americans should be familiar with local threats and
hazards and take steps to reduce their devastating
impacts. Families should assemble a disaster supplies
kit well in advance and have a plan to reconnect after
a tragedy. To make sure you are ready in the event of a
crisis and to learn more about the types of disasters
common in your area, visit www.Ready.gov or
www.Listo.gov.

In regions affected by disaster, my Administration
invested billions of dollars during the immediate
aftermath to support a rapid response. We bolstered
coordination with our local, State, tribal, and
territorial partners to cut through red tape and kept
our commitment to rebuild stronger and fully recover
together. We are harnessing our Nation's innovative
spirit to develop new tools and technologies that will
empower survivors and better inform Americans before,
during, and after an emergency. My Administration also
launched America's PrepareAthon! to assist with
increasing local readiness. Through this initiative,
communities across our country will participate in the
second national day of action on September 30,
providing Americans of all ages with resources and
opportunities to increase their preparedness.

Our Nation also faces longer wildfire seasons, more
severe droughts, heavier rainfall, and more frequent
flooding in a changing climate. That is why, as part of
my Climate Action Plan, we are committed to building
smarter, more resilient infrastructure that can
withstand more frequent and more devastating natural
disasters and to supporting our communities as they
prepare for these impacts.

When and where emergencies occur are beyond our
control--but how we prepare and how we respond are up
to us. This month, we honor the heroes who put the
needs and lives of others before their own and rush to
help in times of tragedy: our emergency responders and
other extraordinary Americans who are prepared to act
in critical moments. Let us resolve to be ready for any
crisis and work to inspire a new generation of
Americans, vested with the knowledge and experience to
protect themselves, their families, and their
communities in the face of any challenge.

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 2014 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
twenty-ninth day of August, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.