[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            SUPPORTING NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2010

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support 
for H. Res. 1388, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Hurricane 
Preparedness Week. As a representative of a Congressional District 
along Florida's Gulf Coast, many of my constituents have witnessed the 
destruction that hurricanes can cause. Although the Tampa Bay area has 
been fortunate enough to evade the path of a major storm for the past 
five years, we must not forget the importance of being prepared.
  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted 
that this could be an extremely active hurricane season, with 14 to 23 
named storms. I worry that predictions of an active season exacerbated 
by the still unknown implications of the effects of the oil spill could 
be a recipe for the most devastating season we've yet to experience.
  Although we hope and pray that this will not become reality, we must 
also call to mind the memories of the power outages and physical damage 
caused by the high speed winds. We must put ourselves in a position of 
preparedness.
  I encourage all individuals, especially those who reside along the 
Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard, to take the necessary precautions to 
prepare themselves and their families should these predictions prove 
accurate. Develop an emergency plan. Make a disaster preparedness kit 
that includes water, nonperishable food items, a first aid kit, 
medications, and important documents. Know emergency evacuation routes. 
The best time to prepare is now.

                          ____________________