[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8020]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                THE IMPORTANCE OF HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

  (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, June 1 marks the start of another 
Atlantic hurricane season. The time to prepare for hurricanes--or any 
natural disasters--is now.
  The Federal Government, led by FEMA, is gearing up to respond to 
hurricanes that may impact the United States and is working with State 
and local emergency management officials, first responders, and 
nonprofit partners to make sure all are prepared.
  The private sector also plays a vital role by preparing their 
businesses and often donating goods and services to response and relief 
efforts. Broadcasters and wireless providers work to ensure 
communication systems are up and running to provide vital information 
during an emergency.
  We all play a role in preparedness, and I urge Americans to pledge to 
prepare--put together an emergency kit, develop a family plan, 
encourage others to prepare. Taking those steps now will make a huge 
difference should disaster strike.

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