Issued 2015-05-22 by Barack Obama
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate the week of May 24-30, 2015, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The action itself is ceremonial—it officially recognizes this week and calls on government agencies, private organizations, schools, media, and coastal residents to share information about hurricane preparedness and response. The proclamation highlights the ongoing work the federal government does with state, local, and tribal governments to help communities prepare for and respond to hurricanes, including supporting technology for emergency plans and evacuation routes, funding rebuilding efforts, and establishing processes to help communities recover after storms.
This proclamation affects Americans living in hurricane-threatened coastal areas, as well as the various government agencies and organizations involved in disaster preparedness and response. It encourages residents in these areas to take practical steps like finding out if they live in evacuation zones, building emergency supply kits, learning evacuation routes, and making family communication plans. The proclamation also notes that the Administration is taking steps to address climate-related changes that could increase hurricane intensity and rainfall, including establishing new flood standards for federally funded structures.
This matters because it brings national attention to hurricane safety during the start of hurricane season. While the proclamation doesn't create new laws or mandatory requirements for citizens, it serves to remind Americans in vulnerable areas to prepare and points them to resources like Ready.gov and Hurricanes.gov/Prepare for more information on protecting themselves and their families during severe weather.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9286-National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to hurricane 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.
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9286—National Hurricane Preparedness Week, 2015 May 22, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Hurricanes cause devastating and sometimes deadly damage, with violent winds and heavy rains destroying buildings, inundating both coastal and inland areas, and displacing residents from their communities. Each year, we call attention to the risks hurricanes and tropical storms pose, as well as the steps we can take to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. During National Hurricane Preparedness Week, we recommit to strengthening the capacity of local responders and creating resilient cities, towns, and neighborhoods that are prepared when disaster strikes. My Administration continues to partner with State, local, and tribal governments, helping them prepare for and respond to hurricanes. We are supporting new technology to help families develop emergency plans, determine evacuation routes, and receive disaster alerts; once a storm has passed, these tools can also help connect residents to resources—from clean water and shelter to information about power outages and gas station closings. We continue to fund rebuilding efforts in areas devastated by hurricanes,