III 

109TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 498 

Designating the week beginning May 21, 2006, as ‘‘National Hurricane 

Preparedness Week’’. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MAY 26, 2006 

Mr. VITTER (for himself, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. SHELBY, and Mr. LOTT) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 

the Judiciary 

RESOLUTION 

Designating the week beginning May 21, 2006, as ‘‘National 

Hurricane Preparedness Week’’. 

Whereas the President has proclaimed that the week beginning May 21, 2006, shall be known as ‘‘National Hurricane Preparedness Week’’, and has called on government 

agencies, private organizations, schools, media, and residents in the coastal areas of the United States to share 

information about hurricane preparedness and response 

to help save lives and protect communities; 

Whereas the official Atlantic hurricane season occurs from a 

period beginning June 1, 2006, and ending November 30, 

2006; 

Whereas hurricanes are among the most powerful forces of 

nature, causing destructive winds, tornadoes, floods, and 


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2 

•SRES 498 IS

storm surges that can result in numerous fatalities and 

cost billions of dollars in damage; 

Whereas, in 2005, a record-setting Atlantic hurricane season 

caused 28 storms, including 15 hurricanes, of which 7 

were major hurricanes, including Hurricanes Katrina, 

Rita, and Wilma; 

Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that between 13 to 16 storms will 

occur during the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season, with between 8 to 10 storms becoming hurricanes, of which between 4 to 6 storms could become major hurricanes of 

Category 3 strength or higher; 

Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that over 50 percent of the population of the 

United States lives in coastal counties that are vulnerable 

to the dangers of hurricanes; 

Whereas, because the impact from hurricanes extends well 

beyond coastal areas, it is vital for individuals in hurricane prone areas to prepare in advance of the hurricane 

season; 

Whereas cooperation between individuals and Federal, State, 

and local officials can help increase preparedness, save 

lives, reduce the impacts of each hurricane, and provide 

a more effective response to those storms; 

Whereas the National Hurricane Center within the National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce recommends that each at-risk family 

of the United States develop a family disaster plan, create a disaster supply kit, and stay aware of current 

weather situations; and 


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•SRES 498 IS

Whereas the designation of the week beginning May 21, 

2006, as ‘‘National Hurricane Preparedness Week’’ will 

help raise the awareness of the individuals of the United 

States to assist them in preparing for the upcoming hurricane season: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) supports the goals of the President in pro3 claiming the week beginning May 21, 2006, as ‘‘Na4 tional Hurricane Preparedness Week’’; 

5 (2) encourages the people of the United 

6 States— 

7 (A) to be prepared for the upcoming hurri8 cane season; and 

9 (B) to promote awareness of the dangers 

10 of hurricanes to help save lives and protect 

11 communities; and 

12 (3) recognizes— 

13 (A) the threats posed by hurricanes; and 

14 (B) the need for the individuals of the 

15 United States to learn more about preparedness 

16 so that they may minimize the impacts of, and 

17 provide a more effective response to, hurricanes. 

Æ 


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