[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[House]
[Page 6278]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          SAFE CLIMATE CAUCUS

  (Mr. PETERS of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. PETERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of 
the Safe Climate Caucus to highlight an important program for 
resiliency and preparedness.
  America's PrepareAthon! is taking place this Wednesday as a reminder 
to communities across the country that while we hope for the best, we 
must prepare for the worst.
  In California, 1,108 wildfires have been reported this year--well 
above the year-to-date average. In 2003 and 2007, wildfires devastated 
communities in the San Diego region, especially affecting the 52nd 
District communities of Scripps Ranch, Tierrasanta, Rancho Bernardo, 
and Poway and claiming 29 lives.
  The PrepareAthon! is a national day to refocus our attention on 
emergency planning and resiliency, as well as exercises and drills that 
can save lives in a disaster. Last year, I introduced the bipartisan 
STRONG Act to equip communities, State and local governments with 
better information and data on preparedness so we don't reinvent the 
wheel with every disaster.
  While there is debate in this Chamber about climate change, there 
isn't among scientists. We must prepare our communities, families, and 
businesses for the hurricanes, more powerful storms, and wildfires 
becoming more common and powerful every day.

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