WHEREAS, severe thunderstorm phenomena such as powerful wind gusts, large hail, flash-flooding, dust storms, and lightning pose a threat to the lives, safety, and property of the citizens of Nevada; and

WHEREAS, severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, and strong winds have caused millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses and local government infrastructure in Nevada; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada has received well below normal precipitation the past several years and the threat of thunderstorms sparking wildfires is more extreme; and

WHEREAS, it is essential that citizens of the State of Nevada increase awareness of the dangers of severe weather hazards and the protective actions which can be taken as they are less likely to be injured when they know what to do when severe weather conditions threaten; and

WHEREAS, citizens should listen to local radio, television, or a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) radio for information on severe weather; and

WHEREAS, families should have an emergency safety plan for home, school and work, including regularly traveled routes so they know where the safest locations are; and

WHEREAS, people should have a disaster supply kit on hand that contains a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries, canned and other non-perishable food, a hand-operated can opener, and bottled water;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby, proclaim June 22-26, 2009, as