By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Each year, hurricanes wreak havoc, unleashing their fury upon some of the Nation’s most picturesque locales and leaving a trail of destruction. National Hurricane Preparedness Week serves as an important reminder of the perils posed by these natural disasters, urging citizens in both coastal and inland areas to engage in proactive emergency planning and preparation.
While hurricanes, storm surges, and flooding can obliterate homes and properties, the most alarming risk is the potential loss of life, underscoring the necessity of readiness. Those residing in vulnerable regions must formulate a family evacuation strategy and stockpile essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, medications, batteries, and other critical items.
This August marks two decades since Hurricane Katrina, a storm that left an indelible mark on the Louisiana Delta and Mississippi Coast through widespread devastation and tragic loss of life. Since that fateful event, numerous catastrophic hurricanes — including the recent Helene and Milton — have similarly disrupted lives and communities across our Nation.
In the wake of each storm, the resilient American spirit shines through. This was evident in the dedication and empathy of volunteers and organizations providing aid, comfort, and temporary shelter, as well as in the remarkable tenacity of those who have endeavored to rebuild their lives. I witnessed this resolve firsthand in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, where I met with survivors and local leaders striving to restore their communities.
I remain unwavering in my commitment to supporting hurricane recovery efforts and ensuring that Federal resources and taxpayer dollars are directed toward American citizens in need. I have signed an Executive Order designed to empower State and local authorities, enhancing their roles in resilience, preparedness, and rapid-response initiatives. Local officials possess the insight necessary to make informed decisions about risks, allocate resources, manage operations, and cut through ineffective bureaucracy to better serve affected communities.
As we approach hurricane season, I urge every household to acknowledge the threats posed by severe weather, evaluate their risk, and develop a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon Americans living in hurricane-prone areas to take the necessary steps to safeguard their families, homes, and businesses against the dangers of hurricanes.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
