[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7786 of May 14, 2004


 
National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful forces, bringing destructive
winds, tornadoes, and floods from torrential rains and ocean storm
surges. Each year, several hurricanes develop off American shores in the
Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Some of these strike
the United States coastline every year, causing numerous fatalities and
costing billions of dollars in damage. Many Americans are vulnerable to
the dangers of these storms.
In recent years, advances in how we predict and track these storms have
improved preparedness and saved lives, but people living in hurricane-
prone areas still must be prepared. The National Hurricane Center within
the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) recommends developing a family dis

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aster plan, creating a disaster supply kit, and staying aware of current
weather situations.
While citizens make preparations to keep themselves safe, the Federal
Government is maintaining our commitment to improve forecasts to provide
advance warning and to coordinate effective emergency response. The
Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency is
also working on a plan to better position disaster equipment and
supplies, so Federal resources to support local emergency services
arrive quickly.
While no policy can eliminate the threat that hurricanes pose to lives
and property, cooperation among citizens and Federal, State, and local
officials can reduce the dangers and provide a more effective response
to these storms.
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 16 through May 22,
2004, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon government
agencies, private organizations, schools, news media, and residents in
hurricane-prone areas to share information about hurricane preparedness
and response, and to implement steps to minimize storm damage and save
lives. I also call upon Americans living in the coastal areas of our
Nation to use this opportunity to learn more about how to protect
themselves against the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7787--MAY 14, 2004