South Lake Today

Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, along with Rep. Maxwell Frost, has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at improving hurricane preparedness. The legislation, known as H.R. 6080 or the Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act, seeks to ensure that the needs of vulnerable populations, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and those in rural and urban areas, are adequately addressed in emergency planning and response.

Speaking about the bill, Rep. Webster emphasized the importance of providing assistance to those who are most vulnerable during natural disasters. He stated, "In the wake of natural disasters, seniors, people with disabilities, and those in rural areas are often most vulnerable. The Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act will help federal agencies evaluate how these harder to reach populations receive emergency notifications and identify shortcomings to improve preparedness and assure that assistance will swiftly reach those at the time of need."

Rep. Frost echoed these sentiments, highlighting the increasingly severe hurricanes and storms that Florida residents face. "With Florida and our people on the frontlines of worsening hurricanes and storms, the Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act will help pave the way for new steps that will help protect the most at-risk folks from the worst of a natural disaster," he said. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that emergency communications and preparations systems are accessible to all, regardless of age, disability, or language proficiency.

The Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act aims to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of existing hurricane preparedness tools, alerts, and planning systems. By addressing the specific needs of seniors, people with disabilities, and those in rural and urban areas, the bill seeks to enhance the overall resilience and response capabilities of communities in the face of hurricanes and tropical storms.

As hurricanes become more frequent and intense, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, particularly those who may be more vulnerable during these events. The bipartisan effort behind the Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act demonstrates a commitment to protecting the most at-risk populations and ensuring that they have the necessary knowledge and tools to protect themselves during a natural disaster.

With the introduction of this bill, Congressman Webster and Rep. Frost are taking proactive steps to address the gaps in hurricane preparedness. By working together across party lines, they are sending a strong message that protecting the lives and livelihoods of all Americans is a priority. As the legislation moves forward, it is hoped that other lawmakers will join this bipartisan effort to improve hurricane preparedness and ensure the safety of all individuals in the face of future storms.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://webster.house.gov/press-releases?ID=21498C1A-4A96-4A7D-B670-558709A5FD6A