[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