[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 20 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Pages 819-820]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7560--National Hurricane Awareness Week, 2002

 May 13, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Hurricanes can devastate our communities, endangering thousands of 
human lives and causing billions of dollars in property damage. Stemming 
from the ocean, the atmosphere, and heat from the sea, hurricanes bring 
with them the potential for high winds, tornadoes, torrential rains, 
flooding, and ocean water storm surges. Their fierce and destructive 
power requires that we all take steps to reduce our vulnerability to 
this natural hazard.
    According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an average of ten 
tropical storms develop annually over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, 
and Gulf of Mexico. Every year, an average of six of these storms grow 
strong enough to become hurricanes. Approximately five hurricanes strike 
the United States coastline every 3 years. Out of these, two will have 
winds above 111 miles per hour, qualifying them as major hurricanes. The 
resulting high winds and high waves can seriously damage homes, 
businesses, public buildings, and critical infrastructure, and 
ultimately have the potential to injure people and claim lives.
    To help avoid damage and help ensure the public's safety from 
hurricane hazards, FEMA recommends a variety of preventative steps for 
both individuals and communities. For example, construction measures can 
help minimize property destruction. These include installing storm 
shutters over exposed glass and adding hurricane straps to hold the roof 
of a structure to its walls and foundation. More complex measures, such 
as elevating coastal homes and businesses, can further reduce a 
property's susceptibility. In addition, communities can reduce their 
vulnerability by adopting wind- and flood-resistant building codes and 
by implementing sound land-use planning.
    More than 50 million people live along hurricane-prone coastlines in 
the United States, with millions of tourists visiting these areas 
annually. During National Hurricane Awareness Week, I encourage those 
who live in coastal areas, as well as all concerned Americans, to be 
more vigilant in preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters 
before they occur. By promoting awareness of hurricane hazards and 
helping with relief efforts when these powerful storms strike, we can 
reduce the risks of hurricane damage and help our neighbors recover more 
quickly from their devastating effects. With preparation, forecasting, 
and coordination, we can save lives and improve our Nation's ability to 
withstand the impact of hurricanes.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 19 through May 25, 
2002, as National Hurricane Awareness Week. I call on government 
agencies, private organizations, schools, news media, and residents in 
hurricane-prone areas to share information about hurricane preparedness 
and response in order to help prevent storm damage and save lives.

[[Page 820]]

    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:34 a.m., May 14, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 15.