In Support of the Great California Shakeout

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize another successful Great California ShakeOut that occurred on October 20, 2011.

* On 10:20 am, over 8.6 million Californians took part in a Drop, Cover, and Hold On earthquake drill. This was an increase from the 7.9 million people who participated in last years' drill.

* The Great California ShakeOut occurs on the third Thursday of October each year. Schools, businesses, tribes, government officials, faith-based organizations, non-profit organizations, and more participated in this year's Great California ShakeOut. The purpose of the Great California ShakeOut is to raise earthquake preparedness among all stakeholders in the State.

* As the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I applaud my home State of California for taking earthquake preparedness seriously.

* California is no stranger to having earthquakes. Earthquake preparedness in California has saved countless lives and money.

* Having effective emergency plans in place for earthquakes and other disasters has proven to save lives. I will continue to fight to ensure that our communities in California and across the country have the resources available to handle emergency situations.

* Mr. Speaker, again I congratulate Californians on another successful Great California ShakeOut. While the Great California ShakeOut occurs once a year, it serves as a reminder to us all that emergency planning needs to be a year-round effort.

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