Proclamation 9313-National Preparedness Month, 2015
Issued 2015-08-31 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama designated September 2015 as National Preparedness Month through this proclamation. The action formally recognizes the month as a time for Americans to focus on emergency preparedness, with the theme "Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today." The proclamation encourages people to visit Ready.gov or Listo.gov to learn about disasters common to their area and how to prepare for them. It also promotes participation in America's PrepareAthon on September 30, a nationwide event where communities take action to increase their preparedness.
This proclamation affects all Americans by drawing attention to emergency preparedness. While it creates no legal requirements, it serves as a national call to action for families and communities to discuss emergency plans and prepare for crises ranging from house fires and accidents to hurricanes and other natural disasters. The proclamation also highlights the administration's ongoing recovery efforts for communities affected by disasters, including those impacted by Hurricane Katrina ten years earlier.
This is a ceremonial proclamation, a type of executive action presidents have issued since George Washington. It does not create new laws, direct federal spending, or impose obligations on citizens—it simply expresses the president's sentiment on behalf of the nation to raise public awareness about emergency preparedness and community resilience.
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 9313-National Preparedness Month, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to preparedness. 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 9313—National Preparedness Month, 2015 August 31, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every year, communities across our country face emergencies—from unforeseen natural disasters to deliberate acts—that test our Nation's grit and challenge us to overcome tragedy. While my Administration is working to keep all Americans safe, each of us can do our part. Together, we can protect our families and help our communities by planning for emergencies and for the unexpected. Every September, we celebrate our Nation's spirit of resilience by rededicating ourselves to the important task of being prepared in the face of any crisis. Emergencies come in many forms—from house fires to accidents to hurricanes—and can strike anywhere in America. We cannot always control how, when, or where they occur, but we can prepare practical responses before disasters strike. By discussing with our families, friends, and neighbors how we will protect ourselves and our communities, we can contribute to and share in a stronger, more resilient society. The theme of this year's —National Preparedness Month is "Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today."