[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8700 of August 31, 2011

National Preparedness Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Whenever our Nation has been challenged, the American people have
responded with faith, courage, and strength. This year, natural
disasters have tested our response ability across all levels of
government. Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose lives have
been impacted by recent storms, and we will continue to stand with them
in their time of need. This September also marks the 10th anniversary of
the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which united our country both
in our shared grief and in our determination to prevent future
generations from experiencing similar devastation. Our Nation has
weathered many hardships, but we have always pulled together as one
Nation to help our neighbors prepare for, respond to, and recover from
these extraordinary challenges.

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In April of this year, a devastating series of tornadoes challenged our
resilience and tested our resolve. In the weeks that followed, people
from all walks of life throughout the Midwest and the South joined
together to help affected towns recover and rebuild. In Joplin,
Missouri, pickup trucks became ambulances, doors served as stretchers,
and a university transformed itself into a hospital. Local businesses
contributed by using trucks to ship donations, or by rushing food to
those in need. Disability community leaders worked side-by-side with
emergency managers to ensure that survivors with disabilities were fully
included in relief and recovery efforts. These stories reveal what we
can accomplish through readiness and collaboration, and underscore that
in America, no problem is too hard and no challenge is too great.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and my Administration is
dedicated to implementing a ``whole community'' approach to disaster
response. This requires collaboration at all levels of government, and
with America's private and nonprofit sectors. Individuals also play a
vital role in securing our country. The National Preparedness Month
Coalition gives everyone the chance to join together and share
information across the United States. Americans can also support
volunteer programs through www.Serve.gov, or find tools to prepare for
any emergency by visiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's
Ready Campaign website at www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov.
In the last few days, we have been tested once again by Hurricane Irene.
While affected communities in many States rebuild, we remember that
preparedness is essential. Although we cannot always know when and where
a disaster will hit, we can ensure we are ready to respond. Together, we
can equip our families and communities to be resilient through times of
hardship and to respond to adversity in the same way America always
has--by picking ourselves up and continuing the task of keeping our
country strong and safe.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2011 as
National Preparedness Month. I encourage all Americans to recognize the
importance of preparedness and observe this month by working together to
enhance our national security, resilience, and readiness.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA