Preparing for the hurricane season

We once again find ourselves at the start of the Atlantic Hurricane season. Last year, Americans spanning the eastern seaboard experienced the impacts of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Many communities in the northeast are still working to recover from those storms.
 
While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a “near normal” hurricane season this year, with a 70 percent chance of nine to 15 named storms, we have already seen two named storms before the season has even started. The time to prepare for hurricanes, or any natural disasters, is now.

The Federal government, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is once again gearing up to respond to hurricanes that may impact the United States.
 

The private sector also plays a vital role in preparedness and response efforts, preparing their businesses for storms and often donating goods and services to response and relief efforts. Broadcasters and wireless providers work diligently to ensure communications systems are up and running and provide citizens with vital information during times of emergency.
 
We all have a role to play in preparedness. This Hurricane Preparedness Week, I urge Americans to pledge to prepare. Know your risk for hurricanes. Put together an emergency kit. Develop a family plan. Listen to officials in your area about steps to take before, during, and after a storm. Encourage your family and friends to prepare as well.
 
Resources are available to you at FEMA.gov, Ready.gov, and hurricanes.gov. Many States provide useful information as well, such as my home State of Florida’s website, FloridaDisaster.org.
 
As I frequently tell my constituents, taking a few small steps to enhance your preparedness now can make a huge difference should disaster strike.
 
Rep. Bilirakis (R-Fla.) is chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications
 

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