H. Res. 387 
In the House of Representatives, U. S., 
May 12, 2009. 
Whereas the Atlantic and central Pacific hurricane season be-
gins 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 re-
sulting in multiple deaths, and 2 of these hurricanes are 
typically labeled ‘‘major’’ or ‘‘intense’’ category 3 hurri-
canes, 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 build-
ings, 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 destruc-
tive tornadoes can occur well away from the storm’s cen-
ter; 
Whereas experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration’s National Hurricane Center and the Na-
tional Weather Service agree that it is critical for all peo-
ple 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 op-
tions of places to go in the event of evacuation, the tele-
phone 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 ad-
vise 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 con-
ditions 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 pre-
paredness activities, stay indoors and away from win-
dows, 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, de-
velop 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 Administra-
tion 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 Hurri-
cane 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 recog-
nize such a week as an opportunity to learn more about 
the work of the National Hurricane Center in fore-
casting hurricanes and educating citizens about the po-
tential risks of the storms. 
Attest: 
Clerk.