[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9919 of August 30, 2019

National Preparedness Month, 2019

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since the early days of our Nation's history, Americans have always
demonstrated perseverance and determination in the face of great
challenges. Our Nation's efforts to be prepared for whatever lies ahead
have contributed to our ability to consistently rise to the occasion
when adversity strikes. During National Preparedness Month, we focus on
promoting a culture of preparedness to make our homes, businesses,
communities, and Nation more ready and resilient in the face of natural,
adversarial, accidental, and technological hazards. We also honor and
express our immense appreciation for the brave first responders who risk
their lives to help others before, during, and after emergencies.

[[Page 3430]]

During the last 2 years, Americans have faced some of the most
devastating natural disasters and emergencies in our Nation's history.
From the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Hawaiian Islands, we have endured
hurricanes, wildfires, floods, blizzards, earthquakes, tornadoes, and
other extreme weather and perilous events. Our resolve as a Nation has
been tested again and again. More than 50 people lost their lives after
record rainfall and strong winds from Hurricane Florence caused
catastrophic flooding and structural damage throughout the Carolinas.
Hurricane Michael became the strongest hurricane ever to hit the Florida
Panhandle, causing major damage to property and tragically taking more
lives. And California's Camp Fire, which took the lives of more than 80
people and destroyed thousands of homes, was the deadliest and one of
the most destructive wildfires in more than a century.
In spite of these tremendous challenges, the American people remain
steadfast in their commitment to overcoming any adversity. While
Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial offices, as well as non-
governmental organizations, coordinate with first responders and
emergency personnel before, during, and after an emergency, the most
integral part of an effective recovery following a disaster is
preparedness at every level of government, in the private sector, and
especially among our citizens. Maintaining readiness starts by having an
emergency plan in place before disaster strikes. Signing up for alerts
sent to mobile devices is crucial. These alerts provide critical early
warnings, enabling people to get to safety before disaster strikes. An
emergency fund can help cover unexpected costs for basic needs like
food, water, lodging, gas, and insurance deductibles. It is also crucial
to designate an out-of-town contact person that family members can call
in case of an emergency. And parents and guardians should talk with
their children about how to be prepared for unexpected emergencies at
home or at school. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready
Campaign outlines simple, cost-effective, and life-saving measures you
can take to prepare yourself, your family, and your property. Taking
these simple steps can make a big difference during a crisis or natural
disaster.
This month, as Hurricane Dorian bears down on the Florida coast, I
encourage all Americans to take action to be ready and resilient. While
we cannot always know when the next disaster or emergency will confront
us, we must remain ready. Together, we can ensure that all Americans
have the information and resources they need to safeguard themselves and
their loved ones from crisis or disaster.
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 2019 as
National Preparedness Month. I encourage all Americans, including
Federal, State, tribal, 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 prepared
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 thirtieth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of

[[Page 3431]]

the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
forty-fourth.
DONALD J. TRUMP