[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 14 (Friday, February 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     INTRODUCTION OF NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS WEEK RESOLUTION

                                 ______


                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 11, 1994

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
designating the week of April 3, 1994, as ``National Earthquake 
Awareness Week.'' The purpose of this resolution is to provide 
awareness of earthquake threats and to increase public knowledge of how 
to prepare and respond to an earthquake. Thirteen of my colleagues join 
me in cosponsoring this resolution.
  Last month's tragic earthquake in Northridge, CA, has provided us 
with yet another reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. 
This quake caused over 57 deaths, more than 6,000 injuries, and a 
significant disruption of the surrounding transportation system. It may 
in fact turn out to be one of the costliest disasters in this Nation's 
history. Furthermore, there is a high probability of more major 
earthquakes within the next few decades, and not only for California. 
From Hawaii to Pennsylvania, States across the Nation are experiencing 
earthquakes with varying intensity. It is therefore important that 
people are aware of the hazards posed by earthquakes and know the steps 
necessary to protect themselves.
  This measure is a means to rapidly and expeditiously increase 
awareness of the threat caused by these natural disasters. I have great 
confidence that this resolution will facilitate the education of 
communities across the Nation on ways in which to adequately respond to 
earthquakes. National Earthquake Awareness Week is essential to 
mitigating the paralyzing effects of a natural disaster such as the one 
that struck Los Angeles.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to sign onto this resolution, so 
that we can better educate our children, communities, and businesses on 
preparing for earthquakes.

                          ____________________