[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9632 of August 30, 2017

National Preparedness Month, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Preparedness Month, we bring attention to the importance
of readying ourselves for disasters, both natural and man-made. We also
take this time to extend our sincerest gratitude to first responders,
who selflessly run toward danger to keep our Nation and its people safe.
We vow to support them and provide the tools they need to save lives.
This year marks the 5-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged
the Northeast; the 10-year anniversary of the Enhanced Fujita (EF)
level-5 tornado that leveled 95 percent of the Greensburg, Kansas,
community; and the 25-year anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, the most
destructive hurricane in Florida's history. And, this week we are
especially mindful of those affected by the catastrophic Hurricane
Harvey, which brought historic floods to Texas. While these tragedies
underscore our vulnerabilities, they also remind us of our Nation's
great resilience. In the responses to each of these unexpected
disasters, we have seen the character of the American spirit--
courageousness, determination, and generosity.
This month we recognize that by educating the Nation on how to prepare
and respond to emergencies, we can save countless lives. Unfortunately,
fewer than half of American families report having an emergency response
plan. While we never know when the next disaster will strike, it is
incumbent upon every American to be prepared.
Americans can start today to improve our readiness for the next
disaster. The first steps include making and practicing a family
emergency response plan, creating an emergency supply kit, and signing
up for emergency alerts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready
campaign outlines additional important and low-cost measures Americans
can take right now to protect their family, pets, and property before a
major disaster. Together, we will create a stronger and safer Nation.
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 September 2017 as
National Preparedness Month. I encourage all Americans, including
Federal, State, and local officials, to take action to be prepared for
disaster or emergency by making and practicing their plans. Each step we
take to become better prepared will make a real difference in how our
families and communities will respond and persevere when faced with the
unexpected.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP