[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 160 (Monday, October 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN SUPPORT OF THE GREAT CALIFORNIA SHAKEOUT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 24, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize another 
successful Great California ShakeOut that occurred on October 20, 2011.
  On 10:20 am, over 8.6 million Californians took part in a Drop, 
Cover, and Hold On earthquake drill. This was an increase from the 7.9 
million people who participated in last years' drill.
  The Great California ShakeOut occurs on the third Thursday of October 
each year. Schools, businesses, tribes, government officials, faith-
based organizations, non-profit organizations, and more participated in 
this year's Great California ShakeOut. The purpose of the Great 
California ShakeOut is to raise earthquake preparedness among all 
stakeholders in the State.
  As the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on 
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I applaud my home 
State of California for taking earthquake preparedness seriously.
  California is no stranger to having earthquakes. Earthquake 
preparedness in California has saved countless lives and money.
  Having effective emergency plans in place for earthquakes and other 
disasters has proven to save lives. I will continue to fight to ensure 
that our communities in California and across the country have the 
resources available to handle emergency situations.
  Mr. Speaker, again I congratulate Californians on another successful 
Great California ShakeOut. While the Great California ShakeOut occurs 
once a year, it serves as a reminder to us all that emergency planning 
needs to be a year-round effort.

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