Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week

Floor Speech

SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK -- (House of Representatives - May 21, 2007)

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Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana for his help. Before I discuss this important issue, I want to thank Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall and their great staffs for allowing this important resolution that has been brought here before you to move forward so quickly.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 402, supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week as established by the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Preparedness Week began yesterday, May 20, and lasts through May 26 of this year.

Next Friday, June 1, marks the beginning of the hurricane season, unfortunately, in the Atlantic and central Pacific Oceans. Hurricane season lasts 6 months, until November 30, and those are 6 months that those of us in Florida pay close attention to.

The goal of Hurricane Preparedness Week is to inform the public about hurricane hazards and to provide knowledge that can be used to take action. We have to be ready. This information can be used to save lives and to protect your home and your property.

History has taught us that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common among all major hurricane disasters, but by knowing your vulnerability and what actions you as an individual and family can take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

One of the biggest lessons learned from the recent wave of hurricanes is that residents should have enough supplies to survive for at least 3 days after the landfall of a hurricane. Oftentimes government and law enforcement personnel are engaged in restoring safety and calming the situation and trying to reach people after a landfall of a hurricane. Ideally residents should have enough food, water and supplies to at least last them 3 days until the authorities can actually get there and lend a hand.

Millions of Americans face great risks from tropical storms and hurricanes. More than 50 percent of Americans live along the coast, and millions of tourists visit the oceans and the coasts each year.

The statistics associated with hurricanes are frankly staggering. An average of 11 tropical storms develop each year over the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Six of those storms will probably become hurricanes.

The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the busiest on record, including 28 named storms, 15 hurricanes in which 7 were a Category 3 or higher. As a Coastal State, Floridians are keenly aware of Mother Nature's wrath and fury, especially when it comes to hurricanes.

In just 2 short years, eight hurricanes have made landfall in Florida from 2004-2005. They were Charlie, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Dennis, Katrina, Wilma and Rita. We have heard and read and had to deal with the consequences of those storms.

As we have learned in the past few years, hurricanes pose serious threats to our country. Unfortunately, massive storms can result in casualties, deaths, and millions of dollars in economic damage and destruction. During hurricanes, homes, businesses and other buildings can be damaged by heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge. Homes can be flooded. Tornadoes can be spun off, and power can be wiped out for days or weeks and sometimes longer.

Experts at NOAA's National Hurricane Center in the National Weather Service agree that it is critical to do a few things: Number one, to determine if you live in a hurricane-prone area. Much of Florida is. Also, know your home's vulnerabilities to storm surge, flooding, wind, and develop a written family disaster plan based on this knowledge.

Once you determine your vulnerability to a hurricane, the National Hurricane Center recommends that people in hurricane-prone areas, such as Florida, assemble a disaster supply kit before the hurricane season begins. Be ready now; don't wait until the storm is on its way. That includes things like a first aid kit with essential medications, and nonperishable food items such as canned goods; at least 3 gallons of water per person per day for at least 3 to 7 days, and that is crucial. You might be able to survive without a lot of things, but you cannot survive without clean water. They recommend battery-powered radios and flashlights and extra batteries; and special items, including formula for infants, and medications for elderly or disabled family members.

As we have learned in south Florida, the forecasters, the meteorologists and hurricane specialists at the National Hurricane Center are often the best source of the most valuable information on hurricane preparedness. They spend countless hours providing valuable information and warnings to individuals located in the potential path of a hurricane, and millions of Americans have come to rely on their steady advice and counsel.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Americans living in hurricane-prone areas to use Hurricane Preparedness Week as an opportunity to learn more about the approaching hurricane season and to be prepared before a hurricane threatens our land. We must all learn from our experiences and be prepared.

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