[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 387 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 387

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                          May 12, 2009.
Whereas the Atlantic and central Pacific hurricane season begins June 1, 2009, 
        and ends November 30, 2009, and the eastern Pacific hurricane season 
        runs from May 15, 2009, through November 30, 2009;
Whereas an average of 11 tropical storms develop per year over the Atlantic 
        Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the 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 coastlines 
        of the United States, sometimes resulting in multiple deaths, and 2 of 
        these hurricanes are typically labeled ``major'' or ``intense'' category 
        3 hurricanes, as measured on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale;
Whereas millions of Americans face great risks from tropical storms and 
        hurricanes, as 50 percent of Americans live along the coast and millions 
        of tourists visit the oceans each year;
Whereas the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season included 16 named storms, including 8 
        hurricanes, 5 of which 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;
Whereas damage from a hurricane is usually substantial, as 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 and the National Weather Service agree that it 
        is critical for all people to know if they live in an area prone to 
        hurricanes, to figure out their home's vulnerability in the event of a 
        storm surge, flooding, and heavy winds, and to develop a written family 
        disaster plan based on this knowledge;
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that people in areas prone to 
        hurricanes prepare a personal evacuation plan that identifies ahead of 
        time several options of places to go in the event of evacuation, the 
        telephone numbers of these places, and a local road map;
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that people in areas prone to 
        hurricanes prepare a disaster supply kit before hurricane season begins 
        that includes a first aid kit with essential medications, canned food, a 
        can opener, at least 3 gallons of water per person per day for 3 to 7 
        days, protective clothing, rain gear, bedding or sleeping bags, a 
        battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, special items for 
        infants, elderly, or disabled family members, and written instructions 
        on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water in the event authorities 
        advise these actions;
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that citizens know that a 
        ``hurricane watch'' means conditions are possible in the specified area, 
        usually within 36 hours, and a ``hurricane warning'' means hurricane 
        conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 24 hours;
Whereas in the event of a hurricane warning, the National Hurricane Center 
        recommends people listen to the advice of local officials, evacuate if 
        told to do so, complete preparedness activities, stay indoors and away 
        from windows, be alert for tornadoes, and be aware that the calm ``eye'' 
        of the storm does not mean the storm is over;
Whereas in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, inland flooding was responsible for more 
        than half the deaths associated with tropical storms and hurricanes in 
        the United States;
Whereas the National Weather Service recommends that when a hurricane threatens 
        the United States, people in potential flood zones evacuate if told to 
        do so, keep abreast of road conditions through the news media, move to a 
        safe area before access is cut off by flood water, develop a flood 
        emergency action plan, and do not attempt to cross flowing water in an 
        automobile, because as little as 6 inches of water may cause one to lose 
        control of the vehicle;
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 National Hurricane Preparedness Week will be the week of May 24 through 
        30, 2009: 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 the National Weather Service and the National 
        Hurricane Center, and other appropriate Federal agencies, to continue 
        their outstanding work of educating 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 in forecasting hurricanes and educating citizens about the 
        potential risks of the storms.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.