[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 94 (Wednesday, May 15, 2002)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 34815-34816]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-12371]



[[Page 34813]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 7560--National Hurricane Awareness Week, 2002
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  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 94 / Wednesday, May 15, 2002 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 34815]]

                Proclamation 7560 of May 13, 2002

                
National Hurricane Awareness Week, 2002

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Hurricanes can devastate our communities, endangering 
                thousands of human lives and causing billions of 
                dollars in property damage. Stemming from the ocean, 
                the atmosphere, and heat from the sea, hurricanes bring 
                with them the potential for high winds, tornadoes, 
                torrential rains, flooding, and ocean water storm 
                surges. Their fierce and destructive power requires 
                that we all take steps to reduce our vulnerability to 
                this natural hazard.

                According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
                (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
                Administration, an average of ten tropical storms 
                develop annually over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean 
                Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Every year, an average of six 
                of these storms grow strong enough to become 
                hurricanes. Approximately five hurricanes strike the 
                United States coastline every 3 years. Out of these, 
                two will have winds above 111 miles per hour, 
                qualifying them as major hurricanes. The resulting high 
                winds and high waves can seriously damage homes, 
                businesses, public buildings, and critical 
                infrastructure, and ultimately have the potential to 
                injure people and claim lives.

                To help avoid damage and help ensure the public's 
                safety from hurricane hazards, FEMA recommends a 
                variety of preventative steps for both individuals and 
                communities. For example, construction measures can 
                help minimize property destruction. These include 
                installing storm shutters over exposed glass and adding 
                hurricane straps to hold the roof of a structure to its 
                walls and foundation. More complex measures, such as 
                elevating coastal homes and businesses, can further 
                reduce a property's susceptibility. In addition, 
                communities can reduce their vulnerability by adopting 
                wind- and flood-resistant building codes and by 
                implementing sound land-use planning.

                More than 50 million people live along hurricane-prone 
                coastlines in the United States, with millions of 
                tourists visiting these areas annually. During National 
                Hurricane Awareness Week, I encourage those who live in 
                coastal areas, as well as all concerned Americans, to 
                be more vigilant in preparing for hurricanes and other 
                natural disasters before they occur. By promoting 
                awareness of hurricane hazards and helping with relief 
                efforts when these powerful storms strike, we can 
                reduce the risks of hurricane damage and help our 
                neighbors recover more quickly from their devastating 
                effects. With preparation, forecasting, and 
                coordination, we can save lives and improve our 
                Nation's ability to withstand the impact of hurricanes.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 19 through May 25, 2002, 
                as National Hurricane Awareness Week. I call on 
                government agencies, private organizations, schools, 
                news media, and residents in hurricane-prone areas to 
                share information about hurricane preparedness and 
                response in order to help prevent storm damage and save 
                lives.

[[Page 34816]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 02-12371
Filed 5-14-02; 11:34 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P