Washington, DC – The following is the statement of U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee Ranking Member, from today’s hearing entitled “Looking Out for the Very Young, the Elderly and Others with Special Needs: Lessons from Katrina and other Major Disasters.”
“Last month, we held a hearing on the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System and whether those with disabilities and limited English proficiency are able to receive appropriate alerts or warnings about an impending disaster. Today, we focus more broadly on the issue of whether emergency preparation, response, and recovery efforts adequately address the needs of the very young, the elderly and others who may have special needs.
“Unfortunately, much work remains to be done. For example, according to the National Council on Disability, many emergency managers and people with disabilities remain unprepared for a disaster and disaster planning continues without full consultation or participation of people with disabilities. And, as highlighted in the National Commission on Children and Disasters Interim Report, inadequacies remain for the care of children in various aspects of emergency management.
“This slow implementation of clear policy is unacceptable because the consequences can be tragic. Following Hurricane Katrina, thousands of children were separated from their families and there are many accounts of individuals with disabilities and seniors who were unable to evacuate.
“With nearly half of our population either living with a disability or under the age of 18, we must ensure the interests and needs of these individuals are fully incorporated in our planning for, response to, and recovery from disasters. Each of these categories of individuals – whether it be children, seniors, or people with disabilities – have unique issues that must be examined and addressed in our emergency management system.”
Watch Rep. Diaz-Balart’s opening statement on YouTube.
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