[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