Proclamation 9919-National Preparedness Month, 2019
Issued 2019-08-30 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
This proclamation designates September 2019 as National Preparedness Month, a time to focus national attention on being ready for emergencies and disasters. It calls on Americans to take practical steps to prepare themselves and their families for hurricanes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and other emergencies. The proclamation encourages people to make emergency plans, sign up for mobile alerts, maintain emergency funds, designate out-of-town contacts, and talk with their children about emergency preparedness.
The proclamation affects all Americans by drawing attention to preparedness, though it creates no legal requirements. It specifically mentions federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial officials, as well as private citizens and families. The proclamation was issued as Hurricane Dorian approached the Florida coast and referenced recent devastating disasters including Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas, Hurricane Michael in the Florida Panhandle, and California's Camp Fire, which together resulted in more than 130 deaths.
This is a ceremonial proclamation that expresses presidential support for disaster preparedness and honors first responders who help during emergencies. It promotes the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready Campaign, which provides guidance on preparedness measures. The proclamation does not create new laws, allocate money, or impose obligations on anyone—it simply designates an awareness month to encourage voluntary preparedness actions across the country.
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 9919-National Preparedness Month, 2019" — 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 Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9919—National Preparedness Month, 2019 August 30, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since the early days of our Nation's history, Americans have always demonstrated perseverance and determination in the face of great challenges. Our Nation's efforts to be prepared for whatever lies ahead have contributed to our ability to consistently rise to the occasion when adversity strikes. During National Preparedness Month, we focus on promoting a culture of preparedness to make our homes, businesses, communities, and Nation more ready and resilient in the face of natural, adversarial, accidental, and technological hazards. We also honor and express our immense appreciation for the brave first responders who risk their lives to help others before, during, and after emergencies. During the last 2 years, Americans have faced some of the most devastating natural disasters and emergencies in our Nation's history. From the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Hawaiian Islands, we have endured hurricanes, wildfires, floods, blizzards, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather and perilous events. Our resolve as a Nation has been tested again and again. More than 50 people lost their liv