House Resolution 83

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION URGING THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI TO RECOGNIZE AUGUST 17 THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2007, AS A TIME OF HURRICANE AWARENESS AND PREPAREDNESS OBSERVATION.

WHEREAS, history teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters; and

WHEREAS, by simply knowing one's level of vulnerability and what appropriate actions should be taken, the effects of a hurricane disaster can be greatly reduced; and

WHEREAS, both public and private entities should develop emergency response and recovery plans in accordance with local jurisdictions and local emergency management offices; and

WHEREAS, the best defense is preparedness and public education about the dangers of high winds, storm surge, flooding and tornadoes that may occur for hundreds of miles in conjunction with a hurricane or tropical storm; and

WHEREAS, hurricanes devastate our communities, endangering thousands of human lives and causing billions of dollars in property damage, and their fierce and destructive power alone requires that we all take steps to reduce our vulnerability to this natural hazard; and

WHEREAS, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an average of 10 tropical storms develop annually over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico; and

WHEREAS, every year, an average of six of these storms grow strong enough to become hurricanes, accounting for approximately five hurricanes which strike the United States coastline every three years, two of which will have winds exceeding 111 miles per hour, qualifying them as major hurricanes; and

WHEREAS, more than 50 million people live along hurricane-prone coastlines in the United States, with millions of tourists visiting these areas annually; and

WHEREAS, during this time of Mississippi Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness Observation, we encourage those who live in coastal areas, as well as all concerned Mississippians, to be more vigilant in preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters before they occur; and

WHEREAS, by promoting awareness of hurricane hazards and helping with relief efforts when these powerful storms strike, we can reduce the risks of hurricane damage and help our neighbors recover more quickly from their devastating effects; and

WHEREAS, with preparation, forecasting and coordination, we can save lives and improve our state's ability to withstand the impact of hurricanes:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize August 17 through August 29, 2007, as the time of Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness Observation in the State of Mississippi, and call on government agencies, private organizations, schools, news media, and residents in hurricane-prone areas to share information about hurricane preparedness and response in order to help prevent storm damage and save lives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Dana Nelson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.