Proclamation 9262-National Building Safety Month, 2015
Issued 2015-04-30 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama declared May 2015 as National Building Safety Month to recognize the professionals who work to keep America's buildings safe and to encourage citizens to take steps to protect themselves from disasters. This proclamation honors engineers, scientists, construction workers, and others who develop safety standards and implement building codes. It also calls on Americans, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits to participate in activities that raise awareness about building safety.
The proclamation encourages all Americans to prepare their homes and workplaces for disasters. It provides specific examples like restraining heavy appliances and anchoring bookcases in earthquake-prone areas, or reinforcing garage doors and preparing window covers where hurricanes and high winds occur. The proclamation directs people to visit Ready.gov to learn more about disaster preparation and improving building safety and resilience.
This action matters because it draws national attention to building safety during a time when the nation faces longer wildfire seasons, more severe droughts, heavier rainfall, and more frequent flooding. The proclamation noted that the administration was working with state, tribal, and local partners to encourage adoption of up-to-date building codes, and earlier in 2015 had established a flood standard for federally funded structures in and around floodplains. As a ceremonial proclamation, this creates no new laws or legal requirements—it simply designates an observance month and encourages voluntary participation in safety awareness activities.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9262-National Building Safety Month, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to building safety. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9262—National Building Safety Month, 2015 April 30, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation From skyscrapers and schools to hospitals and homes, America's buildings are the foundations of our communities. When disasters strike, we rely on the structural integrity of our buildings to keep us safe. This month, we pay tribute to the innovative professionals who implement our safety standards, and we redouble our efforts to make our buildings as resilient as our people. All Americans can take action to protect their loved ones and their property by preparing their homes and workplaces for any disaster. If earthquakes are common where you live, you can restrain heavy appliances, anchor tall bookcases and file cabinets, and install latches on drawers and cabinet doors. To protect against hurricanes, tornadoes, and high winds, you can reinforce garage doors and prepare covers for your windows and house doors. To learn more about how to prepare for all types of disasters and improve the safety and resilience of the places in which you spend time, visit www.Ready.gov. My Administration is committed to creating stronger, safer, disaster-resistant communities and to empoweri