[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 30 (Monday, March 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     NORTH RICHLAND HILLS RECOGNIZED AS A ``STORMREADY'' COMMUNITY

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend North Richland 
Hills, located in the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for its 
recognition as a ``StormReady'' community by the National Weather 
Service (NWS).
  North Richland Hills was recognized as a ``StormReady'' community 
because it met all of the criteria set forth by the NWS. For a 
community to be so honored, it must: establish a 24-hour warning point 
and emergency operations center; have more than one way to receive 
severe weather forecasts and warnings, and to alert the public; create 
a system that monitors local weather conditions; promote the importance 
of public readiness through community seminars; and develop a formal 
hazardous weather plan which includes training severe weather spotters 
and holding emergency exercises.
  This is a noteworthy accomplishment because less than one percent of 
all cities and towns in the United States are categorized as 
``StormReady.'' The City of North Richland Hills cares deeply about its 
citizens and their safety. Severe weather is extremely common in North 
Texas where storms and tornadoes are frequent and set in with little 
warning. ``StormReady'' communities bring extra peace of mind to 
citizens.
  North Richland Hills' ``StormReady'' status sets a wonderful model 
for other towns in Texas to improve their communication and safety 
skills which are needed to save lives and property. I am proud of North 
Richland Hills and its citizens who continued to better the community 
by doing the best in preparing for the worst.

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