123STA T . 3 65 5 PROCL A M AT I O N8 386 — MA Y 26 , 2 0 0 9theInd e p enden c e of the U n i ted S t a te s of Am e r ica the t w oh u ndred and thirt y- third .B A R A CKO BA M A Proclam a ti o n83 8 6 o fM a y2 6 , 2 0 0 9Nation a lHur ri c an eP re p are d ne s s W ee k,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation E ach year , hurricanes threaten the safety of American fami l ies in coast- al and inland communities. T hese powerful storms can cause hea v y rainfall, hi g h winds, tornadoes, and storm surges, which can in turn b ring severe flooding, power outages, damage to homes and businesses, and loss of life. Awareness and preparation are critical to surviving and recovering from hurricanes. D uring N ational H urricane P reparedness W ee k ,Icall on all Americans — including private citi z ens and those working in gov- ernment, business, and the nonprofit sector—to plan ahead and help secure the safety and property of those who face advancing storms. Americans can take basic steps before a hurricane arrives. The F ederal Emergency Management Agency and the National Hurricane Center recommend developing a family disaster plan, creating and maintain- ing a disaster supply kit, securing one ’ s home, and designating a safe place to go during a storm. Throughout a storm, individuals should al- ways remain aware of weather conditions. More information on pre- cautionary measures is available at www.nhc.noaa.gov / HAW 2 /english/ intro.shtml. Organizations at the local, State, and national level play important roles to protect Americans from the effects of hurricanes. Rescue and relief organizations, the private sector, and the news media work to meet demands that emerge before, during, and after a hurricane. Among other services, they distribute safety information and help co- ordinate relief activities. My Administration is committed to strength- ening these efforts and is working every day to prepare for hurricanes and their potential impacts on everyone in the United States. The threat hurricanes pose to lives and property cannot be eliminated, but preparedness can reduce the dangers these storms pose for our families and communities. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States do hereby proclaim May 2 4 through May 30 , 200 9 , as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon government agencies, private organizations, media, community groups, schools, and residents of hurricane-prone areas to share infor- mation about hurricane preparedness and response to help protect communities and save lives. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- si x th day of May, in the year of our L ord two thousand nine, and of
