Hurricane Preparedness
Floor Speech
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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