ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10244ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10244

National Preparedness Month, 2021

President Biden proclaimed September 2021 as National Preparedness Month, urging Americans to prepare for natural and human-made disasters, get vaccinated against COVID-19, and take practical emergency preparedness steps. The proclamation emphasizes climate change resilience, infrastructure investment, and equity for disadvantaged communities affected by disasters.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 49893

Impact dates

  1. National Preparedness Month begins

Key directives

  • Encourage all Americans to get vaccinated
  • Encourage turning on emergency alerts on smartphones
  • Encourage packing emergency go-bags
  • Encourage community preparedness outreach
  • Direct public to FEMA Ready campaign at Ready.gov and Listo.gov

Timeline

Immediate

  • September 2021 designated as National Preparedness Month

Near term (90d)

  • Public awareness campaign for emergency preparedness
  • COVID-19 vaccination push

Long term

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Risks & tensions

  • Proclamation mixes ceremonial observance with implicit policy advocacy on climate and vaccination that may polarize reception
  • Vague on concrete government commitments versus public encouragement
  • Equity focus acknowledges disproportionate harm but offers no specific remedial mechanisms
Proclamation 10244: National Preparedness Month, 2021 · Executive Orders