[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[House]
[Page 14769]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                11TH ANNUAL NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

  (Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 11th 
annual National Preparedness Month and to urge all Americans to be 
disaster aware and take action to prepare.
  According to FEMA, less than 40 percent of all Americans have an 
emergency plan. This startling fact is a reminder that our Nation must 
continue to prepare for all types of disasters.
  As congressional cochair of National Preparedness Month, I hope all 
Members will join me in promoting the importance of preparedness. The 
first 72 hours after a natural disaster or terrorist attack are 
critical.
  This September, urge your constituents and families to take action by 
creating an emergency kit that includes things like water, 
nonperishable food, phone chargers. Families should have communication 
plans and designate a meet-up point in case they get separated. And 
lastly, we should follow our first responders and Red Cross on social 
media. Taking these kinds of steps can save lives when disaster 
strikes.
  Mr. Speaker, this month and every month, let's pledge to be disaster 
aware and take action to prepare.

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