[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 92 (Friday, May 11, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22167-22168]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10276]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 92 / Friday, May 11, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 22167]]


                Proclamation 9743 of May 4, 2018

                
National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, I 
                encourage everyone in hurricane-prone areas to make all 
                necessary preparations for the 2018 hurricane season, 
                which starts this month in the Eastern Pacific and next 
                month in the Atlantic and Central Pacific. Hurricanes 
                threaten the lives of those in their paths and can 
                cause serious damage to homes, businesses, and 
                communities. Having just endured last year one of the 
                most tragic and destructive hurricane seasons in our 
                history, we know all too well the critical need to be 
                prepared to prevent and mitigate hurricane-related 
                harm.

                Last year, three hurricanes of Category 4 or higher 
                intensity tragically inflicted immense damage on our 
                communities when they made landfall in the United 
                States and its territories. These three landfalls 
                occurred within less than a month of each other, 
                claiming lives and affecting millions of Americans. 
                Hurricane Harvey's record-breaking rainfall and 
                flooding caused nearly $125 billion of damage to 
                southeastern Texas and Louisiana, making it the second 
                most costly storm on record. It was also the first 
                Category 4 hurricane to strike the United States or its 
                territories since 2004. Not long after, another 
                Category 4 storm, Hurricane Irma slammed into Florida 
                and Puerto Rico. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane 
                Maria, the 10th most intense Atlantic hurricane on 
                record, devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin 
                Islands. Federal support to those affected by the 2017 
                hurricane season was extensive, as the Government 
                delivered the largest ever disaster relief package to 
                States and territories in need.

                The incredibly active hurricane season of 2017 showed 
                us the various ways hurricanes can affect lives and 
                property. Storm surges can spread miles inland from the 
                coastline, claiming lives and destroying property. 
                Torrential rainfall, from both hurricanes and storms 
                surrounding them, can cause deadly and hazardous urban 
                and river flooding that reaches far inland. Winds can 
                likewise cause significant property damage over large 
                areas. Other hurricane-related events, like tornadoes, 
                can affect communities well beyond the storm's path. 
                Even if those hurricanes stay hundreds of miles 
                offshore, they can cause harm by generating dangerous 
                waves and rip currents in coastal areas.

                Being prepared is the key to minimizing hurricane-
                related harm. Everyone should take steps now to prepare 
                for this hurricane season. This includes developing 
                plans to stay current about the latest weather 
                developments. Last year, I signed the Weather Research 
                and Forecasting Innovation Act, which strengthens our 
                weather forecasting capabilities. I am proud that the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is well 
                underway in implementing this Act and on the path to 
                producing the best weather forecasting model in the 
                world.

                As hurricane season begins, we must remind ourselves 
                that there are no substitutes for having emergency 
                supplies and a well-prepared emergency plan in place. 
                Before this year's hurricane season begins, take the 
                time to sign up for emergency alerts, make plans for 
                shelter and evacuation, gather supplies for your 
                emergency kit, check your insurance coverage and 
                document your property, strengthen your financial 
                preparedness, harden

[[Page 22168]]

                your home, and develop a plan to keep in touch with 
                your loved ones. Hurricane preparedness information 
                provided by the National Weather Service and the Ready 
                Campaign led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
                (FEMA) is available online and can help you to develop 
                your plan today so that you can properly safeguard 
                yourself, your family, pets, and property in the event 
                of a hurricane.

                My Administration continues to help the areas hit by 
                last year's hurricanes recover and become more 
                resilient against future storms. Yet, ensuring our 
                Nation's resilience requires a commitment from all of 
                us. Communities should come together now to take long-
                term actions to prepare for and reduce the economic, 
                structural, social, and environmental effects of these 
                storms. Preparedness is everyone's responsibility.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 6 through May 12, 
                2018, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call 
                upon everyone to take action this week by making use of 
                the online resources provided by the National Weather 
                Service and FEMA to safeguard your families, homes, and 
                businesses from the dangers of hurricanes and severe 
                storms. I also call upon Federal, State, local, tribal, 
                and territorial emergency management officials to help 
                inform our communities about hurricane preparedness and 
                response in order to help prevent storm damage and save 
                lives. Further, I recognize the ongoing National Level 
                Exercise 2018, in which more than 250 organizations are 
                participating to examine the ability of all levels of 
                government, private industry, and nongovernmental 
                organizations to protect against, respond to, and 
                recover from a major mid-Atlantic hurricane.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States 
                of America the two hundred and forty-second.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2018-10276
Filed 5-10-18; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P