    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9158--AUG. 29, 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 territo-
    rial 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

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    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.
    BARACK OBAMA