[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5392-S5393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 498--DESIGNATING THE WEEK BEGINNING MAY 21, 2006, AS 
                ``NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK''

  Mr. VITTER (for himself, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Shelby, and Mr. Lott) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 498

       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;

[[Page S5393]]

       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
       Resolved, 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.

                          ____________________