III 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 498 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 26, 2006 Mr. Vitter (for himself, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Shelby, and Mr. Lott) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating the week beginning May 21, 2006, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Whereas the President has proclaimed that the week beginning May 21, 2006, shall be known as National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and has called on government agencies, private organizations, schools, media, and residents in the coastal areas of the United States to share information about hurricane preparedness and response to help save lives and protect communities; Whereas the official Atlantic hurricane season occurs from a period beginning June 1, 2006, and ending November 30, 2006; Whereas hurricanes are among the most powerful forces of nature, causing destructive winds, tornadoes, floods, and storm surges that can result in numerous fatalities and cost billions of dollars in damage; Whereas, in 2005, a record-setting Atlantic hurricane season caused 28 storms, including 15 hurricanes, of which 7 were major hurricanes, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma; Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that between 13 to 16 storms will occur during the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season, with between 8 to 10 storms becoming hurricanes, of which between 4 to 6 storms could become major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher; Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that over 50 percent of the population of the United States lives in coastal counties that are vulnerable to the dangers of hurricanes; Whereas, because the impact from hurricanes extends well beyond coastal areas, it is vital for individuals in hurricane prone areas to prepare in advance of the hurricane season; Whereas cooperation between individuals and Federal, State, and local officials can help increase preparedness, save lives, reduce the impacts of each hurricane, and provide a more effective response to those storms; Whereas the National Hurricane Center within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce recommends that each at-risk family of the United States develop a family disaster plan, create a disaster supply kit, and stay aware of current weather situations; and Whereas the designation of the week beginning May 21, 2006, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week will help raise the awareness of the individuals of the United States to assist them in preparing for the upcoming hurricane season: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)supports the goals of the President in proclaiming the week beginning May 21, 2006, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week; (2)encourages the people of the United States— (A)to be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season; and (B)to promote awareness of the dangers of hurricanes to help save lives and protect communities; and (3)recognizes— (A)the threats posed by hurricanes; and (B)the need for the individuals of the United States to learn more about preparedness so that they may minimize the impacts of, and provide a more effective response to, hurricanes.