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Bilirakis Gets Assurances on the Level of lorida’s Hurricane Readiness |
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May 25, 2007
WASHINGTON -With
the start of the official 2007 Hurricane Season, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis
(R-FL), a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, yesterday questioned
federal and state emergency management officials on the state of Florida's hurricane
disaster readiness.
Among those present at a
meeting of the Florida Congressional Delegation were R. David Paulison,
administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Craig
Fugate, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Paulison and Fugate, who also testified last week before Bilirakis's
Homeland Security Committee, reiterated that Florida is prepared for this upcoming
hurricane season and that both the state and federal governments are ready to
respond should a major storm impact the state.
"All Americans want to know
what is being done to ensure that a Katrina-type disaster response never
happens again," said Rep. Bilirakis. "Given the serious threat hurricanes
pose to Florida,
I was assured to hear from both Administrator Paulison and Director Fugate that
our state has the necessary contingencies in place for what is predicted to
bean active hurricane season," said Bilirakis.
On Monday, Congressman
Bilirakis delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives in
support of a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane
Preparedness Week. In his remarks, he encouraged Americans to do their
part in preparing for all natural disasters.
"Disaster readiness should
not solely lie on the shoulders of the government. I hope that
individuals will use this week as a reminder that they, too, must prepare
themselves. I have urged my constituents to develop family disaster plans
and create supply kits," said Bilirakis on the floor of the House. "It is
also important that they follow local weather forecasts and heed any emergency
hurricane warnings they receive. These and other simple steps can help save
lives."
Throughout his short time in
Congress as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Bilirakis has made it
a priority to propose legislation that would improve the nation's disaster preparedness
and address the skyrocketing cost of insurance for homeowners' in high-risk
areas. Congressman Bilirakis has encouraged his colleagues to support
legislation that he has introduced that would allow tax credits for home and
business owners who better strengthen their property for major wind damage.
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