[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8986--MAY 24, 2013

Proclamation 8986 of May 24, 2013

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2013
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Last year, devastating hurricanes upended coastal communities spanning
the shores of New England to the Gulf of Mexico. Scenes from Isaac and
Sandy shook us to the core--great cities plunged into darkness, homes
swept away with the tide, families whose worlds were torn apart with the
loss of a loved one. But in the aftermath, we also saw what is best in
America. Heroic first responders rose far beyond the call of duty,
working around the clock to rescue, recover, and rebuild. Ordinary
citizens fought through tough times together, looking out for their
neighbors and leaving nobody behind.
This week, we reaffirm that it is never too early to prepare for this
year's hurricane season. As my Administration keeps working with State
and local partners to apply lessons learned and improve hurricane
preparedness, all families can take simple steps to ensure that if
disaster strikes, they are ready. These steps include building a supply
kit with food, water, and medicine; taking time now to learn evacuation
routes, and how workplaces and schools will respond in an emergency; and
most importantly, discussing what to do in a disaster and developing a
plan that everyone knows. If a hurricane is coming, always follow
instructions from State and local officials, and heed evacuation orders
if they are given.
The Federal Government also has an important role to play in hurricane
preparedness. My Administration stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our
partners in emergency management throughout the public, private, and
nonprofit sectors, and we remain committed to getting them the resources
they need to act quickly and effectively. Going for-




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ward, we will keep
working to improve hurricane forecasting with the latest science and
technology. And in the months and years ahead, we will continue to help
communities stay resilient to severe weather threats and the
consequences of climate change. To learn more and get involved, visit
www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov.
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 May 26 through June 1,
2013, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon government
agencies, private organizations, schools, media, and residents in the
coastal areas of our Nation to share information about hurricane
preparedness and response to help save lives and protect communities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA