[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12171]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            HURRICANE SEASON

  (Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, June 1 marked the 
beginning of yet another hurricane season, and experts have predicted a 
90 percent probability of either a near-normal or an above-normal 
hurricane season. They estimate that six to nine hurricanes will form, 
including two to five major hurricanes.
  Approximately 50 percent of all Americans live along our coasts. As a 
result of that, millions, millions face great risk associated with 
these storms that we know are going to be out there. Having a hurricane 
preparedness plan can help lessen and mitigate some of those dangers.
  The National Hurricane Center recommends that people in hurricane-
prone areas assemble a disaster supply kit that includes a first aid 
kit, essential medications, canned foods and at least 3 gallons of 
water per day per person for the minimum of 3 days. Obviously, extra 
battery-powered radios, extra batteries, and flashlights are also 
recommended.
  As we have learned in south Florida, the forecasters, meteorologists, 
and the hurricane specialists at the National Hurricane Center are 
often the best source of the most valuable and reliable information on 
preparedness. I urge all Americans to prepare for this hurricane season 
and to listen to what the forecasters have to say.

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