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Whereas the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season included 28 
named storms, including 15 hurricanes in which 7 were 
category 3 or higher; 
Whereas, during a hurricane, homes, businesses, public build-
ings, and infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed by 
heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge; debris can 
break windows and doors; roads and bridges can be 
washed away; homes can be flooded; and destructive tor-
nadoes can occur well away from the storm’s center; 
Whereas experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration’s National Hurricane Center in the Na-
tional Weather Service agree that it is critical to know 
if you live in a hurricane prone area, to know your 
home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind, 
and to develop a written family disaster plan based on 
this knowledge; 
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 
people in hurricane-prone areas prepare a personal evacu-
ation plan that identifies ahead of time their home’s vul-
nerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind; the safest 
areas in their home for each hurricane hazard; several 
options of places to go if ordered to evacuate; and the 
telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map 
of the local area; 
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 
people in hurricane-prone areas assemble a disaster sup-
ply kit before hurricane season begins that includes a 
first aid kit and essential medications; canned food and 
can opener; at least three gallons of water per person per 
day for three to seven days; protective clothing, rainwear, 
and bedding or sleeping bags; a battery-powered radio, 
flashlight, and extra batteries; special items (including
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medications) for infants, elderly, or disabled family mem-
bers; and written instructions on how to turn off elec-
tricity, gas, and water in case authorities advise these ac-
tions; 
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 
prior to hurricane season people prepare for high winds 
by installing hurricane shutters or having available precut 
outdoor plywood boards for each window of a home; en-
suring they can reinforce garage doors; and making trees 
more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged 
limbs; 
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 
citizens know that the term ‘‘Hurricane Watch’’ means 
hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of 
the Watch, usually within 36 hours, and that the term 
‘‘Hurricane Warning’’ means hurricane conditions are ex-
pected in the specified area of the Warning, usually with-
in 24 hours; 
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 
people know what to do when a Hurricane Watch is 
issued, that is, listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local 
radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information; 
prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor deco-
rations, and anything that can be picked up by the wind; 
prepare to cover all windows of their homes and reinforce 
their garage door; fill their car’s gas tank; recheck manu-
factured home tie-downs; and recheck their disaster sup-
ply kit; 
Whereas the National Hurricane Center recommends that 
people know what to do when a Hurricane Warning is 
issued, that is, listen to the advice of local officials, and 
leave if told to do so; complete preparation activities; if
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they are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from 
windows; be aware that the calm ‘‘eye’’ is deceptive and 
does not mean the storm is over; and be alert for torna-
does; 
Whereas in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, inland flooding was re-
sponsible for more than half of the deaths associated with 
tropical storms and hurricanes in the United States and 
the National Weather Service recommends that when a 
hurricane threatens the United States, people determine 
whether they live in a potential flood zone; if advised to 
evacuate, do so immediately; keep abreast of road condi-
tions through the news media; move to a safe area before 
access is cut off by flood water; do not attempt to cross 
flowing water because as little as six inches of water may 
cause one to lose control of a vehicle; and develop a flood 
emergency action plan; 
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 a National Hurricane Preparedness Week will be the 
week of May 20–26, 2007: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Hurri-
cane Preparedness Week; 
(2) encourages the staff of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, especially at the Na-
tional Weather Service and the National Hurricane Cen-
ter, and other appropriate Federal agencies, to continue
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their outstanding work to educate 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 to forecast 
hurricanes and to educate citizens about the potential 
risks associated with hurricanes. 
Attest:
Clerk.