[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PREPARING FOR WEATHER EMERGENCIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SPENCER BACHUS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, the devastating tornadoes that struck my 
home state of Alabama on April 27, 2011 taught all of us important 
lessons about emergency preparedness. Countless lives were saved 
because of the early warnings provided to citizens and the availability 
of community storm shelters. Our broadcasters performed a great public 
service by providing early and accurate forecasts about the coming 
storms. We have been working together to further expand this warning 
system through the greater use of weather radios and the development of 
technology to deliver mobile alerts by cell phone. In addition, we are 
working cooperatively to try to ensure that the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can deploy the next generation of 
enhanced weather satellite technology in a timely manner. In Alabama, 
as in many other states, there will be tornadoes and severe storms. But 
with good preparation and emergency planning, lives can be saved and 
damage minimized when a natural disaster strikes. We cannot afford to 
be complacent and should never be afraid to ask the question, ``What 
can we do better?''

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