[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H5493-H5496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK
Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 402) supporting the goals and ideals of
National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 402
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 Web site 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.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Louisiana (Mr. Melancon) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario
Diaz-Balart) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Louisiana.
General Leave
Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on H. Res. 402.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Louisiana?
[[Page H5494]]
There was no objection.
Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am here today with a resolution with my friend, the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart), that will help to make
America aware of hurricanes and the devastation. This resolution
supports the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
It 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.
It also 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.
In light of the storms and devastation caused by Katrina and Rita in
August and September of 2005, I think it is appropriate that America be
aware of the situations with hurricanes, particularly since some 53
percent of all Americans live along the coastal areas of this country.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such
time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana for his
help. Before I discuss this important issue, I want to thank Chairman
Gordon and Ranking Member Hall and their great staffs for allowing this
important resolution that has been brought here before you to move
forward so quickly.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 402,
supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week
as established by the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Preparedness
Week began yesterday, May 20, and lasts through May 26 of this year.
Next Friday, June 1, marks the beginning of the hurricane season,
unfortunately, in the Atlantic and central Pacific Oceans. Hurricane
season lasts 6 months, until November 30, and those are 6 months that
those of us in Florida pay close attention to.
The goal of Hurricane Preparedness Week is to inform the public about
hurricane hazards and to provide knowledge that can be used to take
action. We have to be ready. This information can be used to save lives
and to protect your home and your property.
History has taught us that a lack of hurricane awareness and
preparation are common among all major hurricane disasters, but by
knowing your vulnerability and what actions you as an individual and
family can take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
One of the biggest lessons learned from the recent wave of hurricanes
is that residents should have enough supplies to survive for at least 3
days after the landfall of a hurricane. Oftentimes government and law
enforcement personnel are engaged in restoring safety and calming the
situation and trying to reach people after a landfall of a hurricane.
Ideally residents should have enough food, water and supplies to at
least last them 3 days until the authorities can actually get there and
lend a hand.
Millions of Americans face great risks from tropical storms and
hurricanes. More than 50 percent of Americans live along the coast, and
millions of tourists visit the oceans and the coasts each year.
The statistics associated with hurricanes are frankly staggering. An
average of 11 tropical storms develop each year over the Atlantic
Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Six of those storms
will probably become hurricanes.
The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the busiest on record,
including 28 named storms, 15 hurricanes in which 7 were a Category 3
or higher. As a Coastal State, Floridians are keenly aware of Mother
Nature's wrath and fury, especially when it comes to hurricanes.
In just 2 short years, eight hurricanes have made landfall in Florida
from 2004-2005. They were Charlie, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis,
Katrina, Wilma and Rita. We have heard and read and had to deal with
the consequences of those storms.
As we have learned in the past few years, hurricanes pose serious
threats to our country. Unfortunately, massive storms can result in
casualties, deaths, and millions of dollars in economic damage and
destruction. During hurricanes, homes, businesses and other buildings
can be damaged by heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge. Homes can
be flooded. Tornadoes can be spun off, and power can be wiped out for
days or weeks and sometimes longer.
Experts at NOAA's National Hurricane Center in the National Weather
Service agree that it is critical to do a few things: Number one, to
determine if you live in a hurricane-prone area. Much of Florida is.
Also, know your home's vulnerabilities to storm surge, flooding, wind,
and develop a written family disaster plan based on this knowledge.
Once you determine your vulnerability to a hurricane, the National
Hurricane Center recommends that people in hurricane-prone areas, such
as Florida, assemble a disaster supply kit before the hurricane season
begins. Be ready now; don't wait until the storm is on its way. That
includes things like a first aid kit with essential medications, and
nonperishable food items such as canned goods; at least 3 gallons of
water per person per day for at least 3 to 7 days, and that is crucial.
You might be able to survive without a lot of things, but you cannot
survive without clean water. They recommend battery-powered radios and
flashlights and extra batteries; and special items, including formula
for infants, and medications for elderly or disabled family members.
As we have learned in south Florida, the forecasters, the
meteorologists and hurricane specialists at the National Hurricane
Center are often the best source of the most valuable information on
hurricane preparedness. They spend countless hours providing valuable
information and warnings to individuals located in the potential path
of a hurricane, and millions of Americans have come to rely on their
steady advice and counsel.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Americans living in hurricane-prone areas to
use Hurricane Preparedness Week as an opportunity to learn more about
the approaching hurricane season and to be prepared before a hurricane
threatens our land. We must all learn from our experiences and be
prepared.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart covered the subject matter of the
resolution with a tremendous explanation of why we need to be attentive
to National Hurricane Week. This June 1 begins the 2007 hurricane
season here in the United States, and I hope that recognition here on
the floor today will make people aware throughout this country,
particularly the people affected by these hurricanes, aware of the
dangers and the need to pay attention to oncoming storms.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), who I served with in the
State legislature.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr.
Melancon) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart) for
sponsoring this resolution, which I strongly support. It is a very
important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution
supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness
Week.
As we approach what is expected to be yet another very active
hurricane season, it is imperative that we help raise awareness on the
importance of being the best prepared for the worst-case scenario.
How can any of us ever forget the horrific scenes etched into our
minds after witnessing the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita? Nearly 2 years later, the gulf coast region and those affected by
these storms are still suffering.
I was alarmed when FEMA Director David Paulison testified before the
Homeland Security Committee last week and informed us that FEMA's
revised national response plan will not be completed until sometime in
June.
[[Page H5495]]
Given that we have already had a named storm before the official
beginning of hurricane season, I hope FEMA is working expeditiously to
get this plan finalized.
{time} 1645
Mr. Speaker, we all agree that the response of the State, local and
Federal Governments were inadequate, and there is much work to be done.
However, disaster readiness should not solely lie on the shoulders of
government. I hope that individuals will use this week as a reminder
that they, too, must prepare themselves, as Mr. Diaz-Balart said.
I have urged my constituents to develop family disaster plans and
create supply kits. It is also important that they follow local weather
forecasts and heed any emergency hurricane warnings they receive. These
and other simple steps can help save lives.
Mr. Speaker, while I'm pleased that we are here today to debate this
vitally important issue, I also must express some frustration. Most of
our States are plagued with some form of natural disaster. In my State,
these menaces have caused the most financially crippling crisis we have
been confronted with in years, namely, the unaffordable costs of
homeowners' insurance.
Due to the onslaught of hurricanes and tornados in recent years,
these rates have doubled or even tripled. This has caused many of my
constituents throughout Florida, of course, to leave their homes or
risk everything by opting not to get coverage.
While there are no overnight solutions to help solve this crisis, I
believe that this body can take steps to help encourage citizens in
disaster-prone areas to better mitigate their property from their
storms. I have introduced H.R. 913, the Hurricane Tornado and
Mitigation Investment Act, which would accomplish that goal. I'm proud
my good friend from Florida is an original cosponsor.
Mr. Speaker, some Members have raised concerns that this is only a
Florida or a coastal State issue. However, I will conclude my remarks
with this statistic. For every dollar spent by FEMA for mitigating
disasters, about $4 is saved on what would have eventually been spent
fixing damage from a storm. That's significant.
Taxpayers from every State have contributed billions of dollars spent
recovering from the aftermaths of hurricanes such as Katrina and Rita.
Encouraging our citizens to safeguard their property will save
Americans in every State billions of dollars.
Furthermore, it would reduce the skyrocketing costs of homeowners'
insurance and allow my constituents and constituents all over the
country, your constituents, Mr. Speaker, to raise their children in the
State that they want to and retire in the State that they want to
retire.
I'm seeing some big problems in my State, Mr. Speaker. As I said,
people are leaving the State, and it's a real shame. It's a real shame.
They can't afford the homeowners' insurance.
I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 913 and pray that this
hurricane season is not as active as predicted.
Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we have no further
speakers, and I yield back the remaining part of my time.
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 402, a
resolution to support the goals and ideals of National Hurricane
Preparedness Week. I thank my colleague from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart)
for his leadership on this issue and for introducing this resolution.
Sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
NOAA, this year the National Hurricane Preparedness Week will be
observed from May 20-26, 2007. National Hurricane Preparedness Week is
aimed to inform and educate people in the United States about how to
prepare for major storms and hurricanes and mitigate the risks to
individuals, families, and communities associated with potentially
deadly storms. A lack of awareness and preparation by individuals,
families, and communities can contribute to the destructive effects of
hurricanes, major storms, and other natural disasters.
The people of Guam know well the devastating effects of major storms.
This resolution correctly notes that the Central Pacific hurricane
season begins on June 1 and ends November 30. Guam, during that period
of time, routinely is hit by powerful typhoons that have winds in
excess 150 miles per hour.
The hazards associated with hurricanes or typhoons and other major
storms are not limited to high winds and massive rains. Storm surges,
flooding, and the loss of essential services are also among the serious
threats to safety, health, and public order associated with such
storms.
The key to managing the full range of threats is planning and
coordination among local, State, and Federal officials. The government
and people of Guam are well prepared for these storms and to manage
their aftermaths largely as a result of the high level of coordination
that exists between local and Federal representatives on Guam. In fact,
communities across the United States can learn from the model practiced
and utilized by the Government of Guam in order to achieve effective
coordination between local, State, and Federal authorities.
I encourage other at-risk communities across the United States to
heed the advice provided by Federal authorities during National
Hurricane Preparedness Week. I also encourage at-risk communities to,
throughout the year, be vigilant in their efforts to review, revise,
and modernize their planning and capabilities to respond to major
storms.
Planning and preparation is also the responsibility of each family in
at-risk communities. Some simple strategies can be followed to help
mitigate the risk to individual and families before, during and after
major storms. They are: development of a family plan; the creation of a
disaster supply kit; the securing of home and property; and the sharing
of information.
I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 402.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support
of H. Res. 402, which puts this House on record in strong support of
the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. As we
near the 2-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most
devastating natural disasters that our country has ever known, we still
have a great deal of work to do to secure our Nation from further
weather catastrophes. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this
legislation, which encourages increased public awareness about how to
prepare for a hurricane.
Mr. Speaker, Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst storms in
American history, its magnitude rivaled only by the catastrophic
failure of the Federal government to adequately respond to the
resulting suffering in a manner befitting our great Nation.
This year's hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and
scientific predictions do not bode well. Forecasters anticipate a
``very active'' year for storms along the Atlantic coastline, with
researchers at Colorado State University anticipating 17 named storms,
including 9 hurricanes. According to these predictions, there is a 74
percent chance that at least one major hurricane will strike the U.S.
coastline.
This time we have fair warning. We know how devastating a hurricane
can be, and we know we are likely to see another storm of the magnitude
of Hurricane Katrina. We know that our disaster prevention,
preparedness, and relief mechanisms and agencies are woefully
inadequate. We can no longer use ignorance as an excuse, and we cannot
allow ourselves to be caught unprepared once again.
This legislation recognizes the extreme destructive power of
hurricanes; their potential to destroy homes and livelihoods as well as
essential infrastructure. We may not be able to predict exactly how,
when, or where a hurricane will make landfall, but we do know what
areas of the country are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes. We know
what basic steps, such as developing a written family disaster plan or
establishing evacuation routes, residents of these areas can and should
take to prepare themselves. And most of all, we know that hurricanes
will continue to pose a threat in the years to come, a threat which we
cannot ignore.
In recognition of this knowledge, this bill acknowledges this week,
May 20-26, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. It 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 to educate
people in the United States about hurricane preparedness.
Additionally, this legislation 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 in
educating citizens about the potential risks associated with
hurricanes.
Mr. Speaker, Hurricane Katrina was responsible for $81.2 billion in
damage, as well as for the deaths of 1,836 persons. We have a
responsibility to provide the American people with a disaster
preparedness system that works. We must ensure that, should another
storm of Katrina's magnitude make landfall on America's coastline, we
will not have to witness the atrocious suffering that we saw in the
[[Page H5496]]
summer of 2005. I strongly support this legislation, and I urge my
colleagues to do so as well.
Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Diaz-Balart so much and Mr.
Bilirakis. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Melancon) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 402.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________