May 25 – May 31 marks National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The goal of this week is to facilitate information sharing throughout the nation about hurricane preparedness and response to help save lives and protect communities. First responders understand the need to prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes so that assistance can quickly be provided where it is needed most.

On Friday, President Obama issued a proclamation to officially recognize the week. In it, he stresses how the administration works closely with state, local, and tribal governments to prepare for and respond to storms. He also spoke on innovation in the private and nonprofit sector and how both are attempting to strengthen relief efforts and improve communication during emergencies through technological advances.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are focusing on a theme for each day to raise awareness and provide resources, such as the Tropical Cyclone Preparedness Guide. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) which is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a free Independent Study Program (ISP) to train the nation’s emergency management network and to help educate the general public in disaster preparedness. They also provide tips on what to do before, during and after a hurricane. http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

FirstNet is committed to deploying a public safety broadband network that will provide first responders access to communications during all types of emergencies and natural disasters so they can do their part to protect the communities they serve.