[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7560]

Proc. 7560

Proclamation 7560 of May 13, 2002

National Hurricane Awareness Week, 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. Dur

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          ing 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.
          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