For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 13, 2002
National Hurricane Awareness Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Hurricanes can devastate our communities, endangering thousands of
human lives and causing billions of dollars in property damage.
Stemming from the ocean, the atmosphere, and heat from the sea,
hurricanes bring with them the potential for high winds, tornadoes,
torrential rains, flooding, and ocean water storm surges. Their fierce
and destructive power requires that we all take steps to reduce our
vulnerability to this natural hazard.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an average of ten
tropical storms develop annually over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean
Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Every year, an average of six of these storms
grow strong enough to become hurricanes. Approximately five hurricanes
strike the United States coastline every 3 years. Out of these, two
will have winds above 111 miles per hour, qualifying them as major
hurricanes. The resulting high winds and high waves can seriously
damage homes, businesses, public buildings, and critical
infrastructure, and ultimately have the potential to injure people and
claim lives.
To help avoid damage and help ensure the public's safety from
hurricane hazards, FEMA recommends a variety of preventative steps for
both individuals and communities. For example, construction measures
can help minimize property destruction. These include installing storm
shutters over exposed glass and adding hurricane straps to hold the
roof of a structure to its walls and foundation. More complex
measures, such as elevating coastal homes and businesses, can further
reduce a property's susceptibility. In addition, communities can
reduce their vulnerability by adopting wind- and flood-resistant
building codes and by implementing sound land-use planning.
More than 50 million people live along hurricane-prone coastlines
in the United States, with millions of tourists visiting these areas
annually. During National Hurricane Awareness Week, I encourage those
who live in coastal areas, as well as all concerned Americans, to be
more vigilant in preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters
before they occur. By promoting awareness of hurricane hazards and
helping with relief efforts when these powerful storms strike, we can
reduce the risks of hurricane damage and help our neighbors recover
more quickly from their devastating effects. With preparation,
forecasting, and coordination, we can save lives and improve our
Nation's ability to withstand the impact of hurricanes.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 19 through May
25, 2002, as National Hurricane Awareness Week. I call on government
agencies, private organizations, schools, news media, and residents in
hurricane-prone areas to share information about hurricane preparedness
and response in order to help prevent storm damage and save lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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