[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2401-E2402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2009

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, as Vice-Chair of 
the House Homeland Security Committee, I am working to ensure that our 
country and communities have the resources they need to respond to all 
types of disasters.
  I was happy to see that Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano 
designated September as National Preparedness Month, and that the 
Department of Homeland Security is offering resources and classes to 
ensure our citizens are prepared to handle disasters.
  In classrooms and at community events around the country, Americans 
are learning how to prepare their family for potential disasters.
  In California, this type of outreach and education has become 
especially critical for ensuring that our citizens are able to stay 
safe

[[Page E2402]]

during the massive and frequent Southern California wildfires.
  I am also a proud cosponsor of H. Res 731, which was introduced by 
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and commends our first responders and 
local law enforcement.
  These men and women are on the frontlines every day, preventing 
disasters, educating the public on preparedness, and assisting in 
response efforts.
  I urge all Americans to continue the spirit of national preparedness 
month beyond September by taking an active role in making sure all of 
our families and communities are prepared for natural or man-made 
disasters.

                          ____________________