WHEREAS, flooding creates emergencies of great concern to the State of Nevada, with imminent threat to life and property, as well as the potential for hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, and local community infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, since 1955, Nevada has received 19 presidential disaster declarations related to flooding. With 2023 marking the sixth year since Northern Nevada's devastating floods of 2017; and this spring brought extreme snow melt following a record-breaking snowpack accumulated over the winter leading to Nevada's 19th presidentially declared disaster related flooding, we impart the need to remain vigilant against such disasters; and
WHEREAS, Nevada continues to take critical steps to address climate change, the risk of more hazardous and frequent flooding remains a constant threat to people, property, and the natural environment; and
WHEREAS, flood hazard, flood risk reduction, vulnerability, and preparedness information are available from local, state, and federal partners and should be studied and observed throughout the year to reduce the impacts of flooding to communities, lives, and property; and
WHEREAS, the Nevada Flood Awareness Committee is committed to developing comprehensive and sustainable solutions to flood hazard issues, including flood awareness and outreach activities, flood hazard mitigation planning and projects, floodplain management and flood and inundation mapping; and
WHEREAS, the Nevada Flood Awareness Committee continues to engage and inform Nevadans about how to prepare before, during, and after floods, as well as the importance of flood insurance to help create safer and more resilient communities; and ask all Nevadans to observe Nevada Floods Awareness Week by preparing their homes and communities for floods;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim the week of November 12-18, 2023 as
FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK IN NEVADA