JOSH LEDERMAN
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is urging Americans to prepare for this year’s hurricane season.

Emergency response officials are briefing Obama on hurricane preparedness at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters.

Obama says states have the primary response role, but it’s a team effort.

Obama says it is every citizen’s responsibility to be prepared for emergencies. He’s urging every family and business to explore digital tools that can help. He says there are apps that can help people plan evacuation routes, receive emergency alerts, learn about power outages and locate gas stations.

But Obama says climate change means events like Hurricane Sandy will become more common. He says that’s why he’s taking steps to reduce carbon pollution blamed for global warming.

Hurricane season starts Sunday.

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Online: www.ready.gov

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