[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 402 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                          May 21, 2007.
Whereas the Atlantic and Central Pacific hurricane season begins June 1 and ends 
        November 30, and the East Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 
        through November 30;
Whereas an average of 11 tropical storms develop per year over the Atlantic 
        Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico and an average of 6 of these 
        storms become hurricanes;
Whereas in an average 3-year period roughly 5 hurricanes strike the United 
        States coastline, sometimes resulting in multiple deaths, with 2 
        typically being ``major'' or ``intense'' category 3 hurricanes, as 
        measured on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale;
Whereas millions of Americans face great risk from tropical storms or 
        hurricanes, because 50 percent of Americans live along the coast and 
        millions of tourists visit the oceans each year;
Whereas the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the busiest on record and extends 
        the active hurricane cycle that began in 1995--a trend experts agree is 
        likely to continue for years to come;
Whereas the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season included 28 named storms, including 
        15 hurricanes in which 7 were category 3 or higher;
Whereas, during a hurricane, homes, businesses, public buildings, and 
        infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed by heavy rain, strong winds, 
        and storm surge; debris can break windows and doors; roads and bridges 
        can be washed away; homes can be flooded; and destructive tornadoes can 
        occur well away from the storm's center;
Whereas experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 
        National Hurricane Center in the National Weather Service agree that it 
        is critical to know if you live in a hurricane prone area, to know your 
        home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind, and to develop 
        a written family disaster plan based on this knowledge;
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that people in hurricane-prone 
        areas prepare a personal evacuation plan that identifies ahead of time 
        their home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind; the 
        safest areas in their home for each hurricane hazard; several options of 
        places to go if ordered to evacuate; and the telephone numbers of these 
        places as well as a road map of the local area;
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that people in hurricane-prone 
        areas assemble a disaster supply kit before hurricane season begins that 
        includes a first aid kit and essential medications; canned food and can 
        opener; at least three gallons of water per person per day for three to 
        seven days; protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags; 
        a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries; special items 
        (including medications) for infants, elderly, or disabled family 
        members; and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, 
        and water in case authorities advise these actions;
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that prior to hurricane season 
        people prepare for high winds by installing hurricane shutters or having 
        available precut outdoor plywood boards for each window of a home; 
        ensuring they can reinforce garage doors; and making trees more wind 
        resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs;
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that citizens know that the 
        term ``Hurricane Watch'' means hurricane conditions are possible in the 
        specified area of the Watch, usually within 36 hours, and that the term 
        ``Hurricane Warning'' means hurricane conditions are expected in the 
        specified area of the Warning, usually within 24 hours;
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that people know what to do 
        when a Hurricane Watch is issued, that is, listen to NOAA Weather Radio 
        or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information; prepare 
        to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, and anything 
        that can be picked up by the wind; prepare to cover all windows of their 
        homes and reinforce their garage door; fill their car's gas tank; 
        recheck manufactured home tie-downs; and recheck their disaster supply 
        kit;
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that people know what to do 
        when a Hurricane Warning is issued, that is, listen to the advice of 
        local officials, and leave if told to do so; complete preparation 
        activities; if they are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from 
        windows; be aware that the calm ``eye'' is deceptive and does not mean 
        the storm is over; and be alert for tornadoes;
Whereas in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, inland flooding was responsible for more 
        than half of the deaths associated with tropical storms and hurricanes 
        in the United States and the National Weather Service recommends that 
        when a hurricane threatens the United States, people determine whether 
        they live in a potential flood zone; if advised to evacuate, do so 
        immediately; keep abreast of road conditions through the news media; 
        move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water; do not 
        attempt to cross flowing water because as little as six inches of water 
        may cause one to lose control of a vehicle; and develop a flood 
        emergency action plan;
Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides more 
        detailed information about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness via its 
        website http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/; and
Whereas a National Hurricane Preparedness Week will be the week of May 20-26, 
        2007: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness 
        Week;
            (2) encourages the staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration, especially at the National Weather Service and the 
        National Hurricane Center, and other appropriate Federal agencies, to 
        continue their outstanding work to educate people in the United States 
        about hurricane preparedness; and
            (3) urges the people of the United States to recognize such a week 
        as an opportunity to learn more about the work of the National Hurricane 
        Center to forecast hurricanes and to educate citizens about the 
        potential risks associated with hurricanes.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.