President George W. Bush has signed a proclamation today declaring the week of May 20-26 "Hurricane Awareness Week." He has made this first ever presidential proclamation in support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's efforts to provide early and accurate warnings that will help keep people safe and property damage to a minimum during the 2001 hurricane season.

"As NOAA prepares for another hurricane season we are very grateful for President Bush's support in safeguarding our nation," said NOAA Acting Administrator Scott Gudes. "Though we expect this to be a season of normal weather patterns and anticipate fewer storms this year, we can't predict which communities may experience the awesome power of a hurricane this season. Accordingly residents in all hurricane prone areas should be ready to act."

NOAA's 2001 Hurricane Season Outlook calls for what is considered an average season, bringing between eight and 11 tropical storms, of which five to seven reach hurricane strength, with two to three classified as major.

Hurricane Awareness Week is a nationwide campaign led by NOAA, an agency of the Department of Commerce, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and storm-vulnerable East and Gulf Coast states to increase preparedness and safety among residents.

"The importance that President Bush has placed on reducing the loss of life and property from hurricanes is shared by FEMA and NOAA alike," said FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh. "With an ever-growing population living in vulnerable coastal areas, our charge this hurricane season is clear. FEMA stands ready to provide both the leadership and the necessary technical assistance and guidance to communities as they assume responsibility for becoming more disaster resistant."

Hurricane Awareness Week features a web site that highlights five severe weather safety topics – one for each day of the week. It can be found on the World Wide Web at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW/index.htm.

In addition, tips and information on protecting your home and family from disasters can be found on FEMA's web site at http://www.fema.gov.