    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9779 of August 31, 2018

    National Preparedness Month, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    National Preparedness Month is a time to focus our attention on the
    importance of preparing our families, homes, businesses, and communities
    for disasters that threaten our lives, property, and homeland. During
    this time, we also honor the brave men and women who selflessly respond
    to crises and disasters, rendering aid to those in need. These first
    responders, who work tirelessly to safeguard our Nation and protect our
    citizens, deserve our utmost gratitude and appreciation.
    Over the past year, communities nationwide and across the Territories
    have witnessed and endured damage from multiple hurricanes, wildfires,
    tornadoes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters. The
    historic hurricane season of 2017 included three catastrophic storms
    that made landfall within a month, and was followed by a destructive
    series of wildfires in California. Combined, these natural disasters
    affected 47 million people and tens of thousands were mobilized to
    provide aid, comfort, and assistance. We are also especially mindful of
    those currently affected by ongoing wildfires in California, Oregon, and
    Colorado. In spite of tremendous challenges, the resilience of the
    American people continues to prevail.
    Tragedies are somber reminders that preparedness is a shared
    responsibility and that it is critical to maintain readiness. All
    Americans can prepare for potential disasters by developing and
    practicing a family emergency response plan, assembling a disaster
    supply kit, signing up for alerts on mobile devices, setting aside
    emergency savings, and maintaining adequate insurance policies for their
    homes and businesses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready
    Campaign outlines other important steps to best prepare for a major
    disaster.
    This month, I encourage all Americans to take the opportunity to ensure
    they have an emergency response plan in place and ready to be properly
    executed. Emergencies and disasters test the resilience and strength of
    families, communities, and our Nation. It is impossible to avoid every
    challenge and threat, but we can and must prepare for them. By doing so,
    we can help protect our communities and save lives.
    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 2018 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 emergency response
    plans. Each step we take to become better pre

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    pared makes a real difference in how our families and communities will
    respond and persevere when faced with the unexpected.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
    August, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP