(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams has proclaimed May 21-27, 2006, as "Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week" in the District of Columbia. As part of the week's observance, the District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) will host a day-long Severe Summer Weather Symposium on May 23, along with other events throughout the week to inform the public, government officials and other stakeholders about potential summer weather hazards and how to prepare for them.

The May 23 symposium is scheduled to take place from 8:30 am to 3 pm at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Avenue, NE. Featured participants will include officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area, Pepco and the DC Department of Health.

On May 24, also at the Kellogg Conference Hotel, top city officials will participate in a table-top exercise focusing on a hurricane scenario.

An informational display on preparedness and protective actions for severe summer weather will be in the lobby of the Frank Reeves Municipal Center, 2000 14th Street, NW, May 22 to May 26. In addition, DCEMA staff will conduct presentations during the week at community meetings and other venues to discuss how to prepare for, respond to and recover from various types of severe summer weather, including hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms and floods.

In 2005, the United States had a record 26 named storms, including the two most destructive and fierce storms in this country's history. Hurricane Katrina caused over $125 billion in economic loss for the Gulf Coast and Hurricane Wilma had winds that reached 175 miles per hour. Due to global warming, forecasters predict storms to only become worse in the years to come.

Persons who wish to attend the symposium should contact Donneshia Taylor, emergency operations and information specialist, at (202) 673-2101, extension 1421.