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

    Proclamation 9743 of May 4, 2018

    National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, I encourage everyone in
    hurricane-prone areas to make all necessary preparations for the 2018
    hurricane season, which starts this month in the Eastern Pacific and
    next month in the Atlantic and Central Pacific. Hurricanes threaten the
    lives of those in their paths and can cause serious damage to homes,
    businesses, and communities. Having just endured last year one of the
    most tragic and destructive hurricane seasons in our history, we know
    all too well the critical need to be prepared to prevent and mitigate
    hurricane-related harm.
    Last year, three hurricanes of Category 4 or higher intensity tragically
    inflicted immense damage on our communities when they made landfall in
    the United States and its territories. These three landfalls occurred
    within less than a month of each other, claiming lives and affecting
    millions of Americans. Hurricane Harvey's record-breaking rainfall and
    flooding caused nearly $125 billion of damage to southeastern Texas and
    Louisiana, making it the second most costly storm on record. It was also
    the first Category 4 hurricane to strike the United States or its
    territories since 2004. Not long after, another Category 4 storm,
    Hurricane Irma slammed into Florida and Puerto Rico. Less than two weeks
    later, Hurricane Maria, the 10th most intense Atlantic hurricane on
    record, devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Federal
    support to those affected by the 2017 hurricane season was extensive, as
    the Government delivered the largest ever disaster relief package to
    States and territories in need.
    The incredibly active hurricane season of 2017 showed us the various
    ways hurricanes can affect lives and property. Storm surges can spread
    miles inland from the coastline, claiming lives and destroying property.
    Torrential rainfall, from both hurricanes and storms surrounding them,
    can cause deadly and hazardous urban and river flooding that reaches far
    inland. Winds can likewise cause significant property damage over large
    areas. Other hurricane-related events, like tornadoes, can affect
    communities well beyond the storm's path. Even if those hurricanes stay
    hundreds of miles offshore, they can cause harm by generating dangerous
    waves and rip currents in coastal areas.
    Being prepared is the key to minimizing hurricane-related harm. Everyone
    should take steps now to prepare for this hurricane season. This

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    includes developing plans to stay current about the latest weather
    developments. Last year, I signed the Weather Research and Forecasting
    Innovation Act, which strengthens our weather forecasting capabilities.
    I am proud that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is
    well underway in implementing this Act and on the path to producing the
    best weather forecasting model in the world.
    As hurricane season begins, we must remind ourselves that there are no
    substitutes for having emergency supplies and a well-prepared emergency
    plan in place. Before this year's hurricane season begins, take the time
    to sign up for emergency alerts, make plans for shelter and evacuation,
    gather supplies for your emergency kit, check your insurance coverage
    and document your property, strengthen your financial preparedness,
    harden your home, and develop a plan to keep in touch with your loved
    ones. Hurricane preparedness information provided by the National
    Weather Service and the Ready Campaign led by the Federal Emergency
    Management Agency (FEMA) is available online and can help you to develop
    your plan today so that you can properly safeguard yourself, your
    family, pets, and property in the event of a hurricane.
    My Administration continues to help the areas hit by last year's
    hurricanes recover and become more resilient against future storms. Yet,
    ensuring our Nation's resilience requires a commitment from all of us.
    Communities should come together now to take long-term actions to
    prepare for and reduce the economic, structural, social, and
    environmental effects of these storms. Preparedness is everyone's
    responsibility.
    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 May 6 through May 12,
    2018, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon everyone to
    take action this week by making use of the online resources provided by
    the National Weather Service and FEMA to safeguard your families, homes,
    and businesses from the dangers of hurricanes and severe storms. I also
    call upon Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial emergency
    management officials to help inform our communities about hurricane
    preparedness and response in order to help prevent storm damage and save
    lives. Further, I recognize the ongoing National Level Exercise 2018, in
    which more than 250 organizations are participating to examine the
    ability of all levels of government, private industry, and
    nongovernmental organizations to protect against, respond to, and
    recover from a major mid-Atlantic hurricane.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May,
    in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence
    of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
    DONALD J. TRUMP