H. Res. 387 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

May 12, 2009. 

Whereas the Atlantic and central Pacific hurricane season begins June 1, 2009, and ends November 30, 2009, and 

the eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15, 

2009, through November 30, 2009; 

Whereas an average of 11 tropical storms develop per year 

over the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf 

of Mexico, and an average of 6 of these storms become 

hurricanes; 

Whereas in an average 3-year period, roughly 5 hurricanes 

strike the coastlines of the United States, sometimes resulting in multiple deaths, and 2 of these hurricanes are 

typically labeled ‘‘major’’ or ‘‘intense’’ category 3 hurricanes, as measured on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane 

Scale; 

Whereas millions of Americans face great risks from tropical 

storms and hurricanes, as 50 percent of Americans live 

along the coast and millions of tourists visit the oceans 

each year; 

Whereas the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season included 16 

named storms, including 8 hurricanes, 5 of which were 

category 3 or higher; 
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Whereas during a hurricane, homes, businesses, public buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed by 

heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge; 

Whereas damage from a hurricane is usually substantial, as 

debris can break windows and doors, roads and bridges 

can be washed away, homes can be flooded, and destructive tornadoes can occur well away from the storm’s center; 

Whereas experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration’s National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service agree that it is critical for all people to know if they live in an area prone to hurricanes, 

to figure out their home’s vulnerability in the event of a 

storm surge, flooding, and heavy winds, and to develop 

a written family disaster plan based on this knowledge; 

Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 

people in areas prone to hurricanes prepare a personal 

evacuation plan that identifies ahead of time several options of places to go in the event of evacuation, the telephone numbers of these places, and a local road map; 

Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 

people in areas prone to hurricanes prepare a disaster 

supply kit before hurricane season begins that includes a 

first aid kit with essential medications, canned food, a 

can opener, at least 3 gallons of water per person per day 

for 3 to 7 days, protective clothing, rain gear, bedding or 

sleeping bags, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra 

batteries, special items for infants, elderly, or disabled 

family members, and written instructions on how to turn 

off electricity, gas, and water in the event authorities advise these actions; 
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Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 

citizens know that a ‘‘hurricane watch’’ means conditions 

are possible in the specified area, usually within 36 

hours, and a ‘‘hurricane warning’’ means hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area, usually within 

24 hours; 

Whereas in the event of a hurricane warning, the National 

Hurricane Center recommends people listen to the advice 

of local officials, evacuate if told to do so, complete preparedness activities, stay indoors and away from windows, be alert for tornadoes, and be aware that the calm 

‘‘eye’’ of the storm does not mean the storm is over; 

Whereas in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, inland flooding was 

responsible for more than half the deaths associated with 

tropical storms and hurricanes in the United States; 

Whereas the National Weather Service recommends that 

when a hurricane threatens the United States, people in 

potential flood zones evacuate if told to do so, keep 

abreast of road conditions through the news media, move 

to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water, develop a flood emergency action plan, and do not attempt 

to cross flowing water in an automobile, because as little 

as 6 inches of water may cause one to lose control of the 

vehicle; 

Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides more detailed information about hurricanes 

and hurricane preparedness via its website, http:// 

www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/; and 

Whereas National Hurricane Preparedness Week will be the 

week of May 24 through 30, 2009: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
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(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week; 

(2) encourages the staff of the National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration, especially the National 

Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, 

and other appropriate Federal agencies, to continue their 

outstanding work of educating people in the United 

States about hurricane preparedness; and 

(3) urges the people of the United States to recognize such a week as an opportunity to learn more about 

the work of the National Hurricane Center in forecasting hurricanes and educating citizens about the potential risks of the storms. 

Attest: 

Clerk.