[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 35 (Monday, September 3, 2007)]
[Page 1141]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8170--National Preparedness Month, 2007

 August 30, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness 
about the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage all 
Americans to better prepare their homes and communities for emergencies.
    Protecting America's homeland and citizens is the shared 
responsibility of the entire Nation. Individuals can prepare themselves 
and their families for emergencies by taking simple steps such as 
organizing an emergency supply kit, making a personal preparedness plan, 
becoming informed about different threats, and getting involved in 
preparing their community. These activities create a culture of 
preparedness and can help save lives.
    My Administration continues to improve our Nation's ability to 
prepare for emergencies. The Department of Homeland Security is working 
with other Federal, State, and local government organizations, as well 
as the private sector, to prevent, respond to, and recover from all 
types of emergencies. Together, Americans can significantly enhance the 
level of national preparedness to further safeguard our communities and 
secure our homeland.
    This month is also an opportunity to pay tribute to America's first 
responders who put themselves at risk for the safety of their fellow 
citizens. These brave police officers, firefighters, and emergency 
service personnel exemplify the compassion and commitment that help 
strengthen our country. We will be forever grateful for their service 
and sacrifice.
    During National Preparedness Month, I encourage all Americans to get 
involved in their community's preparedness efforts. Citizens may visit 
ready.gov and citizencorps.gov to learn more about emergency 
preparedness and ways to take action.
    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 September 2007 as National 
Preparedness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to 
recognize the importance of preparing for potential emergencies and to 
observe this month by participating in appropriate events, activities, 
and preparedness programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 4, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
September 5.