[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8803]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

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                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2013

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, June 1st marked the beginning of 
the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has once again predicted an ``active 
or extremely active'' hurricane season this year, with the potential 
for 13 to 20 named storms, of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes. In 
fact, less than two weeks into hurricane season, we've already seen our 
first named storm, Tropical Storm Andrea. As the Chairman of the 
Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency 
Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I rise today to urge 
citizens in hurricane prone areas to take steps to prepare themselves 
and their families.
  This is also a good time for citizens not in areas susceptible to 
hurricanes to consider the threats to their areas; be it from 
tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, or other severe weather. Many of the 
steps necessary to prepare for hurricanes are the same for other 
hazards. I urge all Americans to develop a disaster plan; assemble an 
emergency kit, including medications, important documents, and food and 
water; and become familiar with the evacuation routes and emergency 
management officials in their areas.
  Unsure of what to do to get prepared? There are resources online that 
can help. In my home state of Indiana, Hoosiers can visit the Indiana 
Department of Homeland Security's ``Get Prepared'' site at www.in.gov/
dhs/getprepared.htm. Information is also available from the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov. The Department of Homeland 
Security's Ready program has useful information on ways to get prepared 
at www.ready.gov. Through this site resources are also available for 
kids, businesses, and non-English speakers in 12 languages. Information 
on ways to plan and prepare is also available from the American Red 
Cross through its ``Be Red Cross Ready'' module at www.arcbrcr.org.
  Severe weather can occur at any time, with little notice. Super Storm 
Sandy, the tornadoes in Oklahoma, and the recent flooding in my 
congressional district are proof of the devastation that disasters can 
have on our nation. The time to prepare is now. Taking some simple 
steps to prepare yourself, and your family, can make all the difference 
when disaster strikes.

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