President Bush Proclaims Hurricane Awareness Week 

Release Date: May 15, 2002
Release Number: HQ-02-055

Washington, D.C.-- President George W. Bush this week declared May 19 through May 25, 2002 "Hurricane Awareness Week." The Presidential proclamation was signed to help Americans in hurricane-prone areas prepare for the coming hurricane season and better understand how to stay safe and minimize property damage.

"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," said President Bush in his proclamation.

"With no major hurricane striking the United States in the last two years, many people living along hurricane-prone coastlines may be feeling a false sense of security," said Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Joe M. Allbaugh. "President Bush is calling on us to do our part in reducing the loss of life and property from hurricanes and prepare for this very real danger."

Properly preparing families and homes for hurricane season, which begins each year on June 1, is crucial. Preparedness efforts should include developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, setting up a destination in case of evacuation, securing your home, and having a plan to ensure the safety of pets.

"I call on government agencies, private organizations, school, 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 live," said President Bush.

Tips and information on protecting lives and property from disasters can be found on FEMA's web site at: http://www.fema.gov/. In addition, Hurricane Awareness Week features a web site that highlights five severe weather safety topics - one for each day of the week, and can be found at: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/.

» President Bush's National Hurricane Awareness Week Proclamation, May 13

Last Modified: Friday, 22-Aug-2003 09:05:56