A Resolution recognizing the week of March 17 through 21, 2025, as "Flood Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
House Resolution 122 is a ceremonial resolution that designates March 17 through 21, 2025, as “Flood Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania. The resolution is built around findings describing flooding as the Commonwealth’s most common natural disaster and emphasizes the risks flooding poses to homes, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, public health, and the environment. It also highlights the role of the National Weather Service, the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force created by Act 22 of 2023, and the need to educate residents about flood risk and mitigation.
The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to observe the week by learning flood safety practices and preparing for flood events. It includes practical guidance such as using sandbags, installing plumbing check-valves, maintaining emergency supplies, creating communication plans, knowing flood-prone areas, and understanding flood watches and warnings. It also urges residents to avoid floodwaters, move to higher ground, and follow evacuation orders during flooding.
HR122 does not amend the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes or create new regulatory requirements. Its legal effect is limited to formally recognizing a public awareness week and promoting flood preparedness messaging. The resolution reinforces existing state efforts related to flood insurance education and disaster readiness, and it may support outreach by state agencies, local governments, schools, and emergency management organizations.
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill is strongly supportive and preventative. The resolution presents flooding as a serious and growing threat and frames public education and preparedness as necessary responses. The vote history also suggests broad agreement, with the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee reporting the bill as committed by a 26-0 vote, indicating no recorded opposition at that stage.
There is little visible contention in the bill text or voting history because the measure is a nonbinding awareness resolution. The main policy emphasis is on flood risk, insurance awareness, and preparedness, rather than on controversial mandates or spending. Any potential points of concern are implicit in the findings, such as the disproportionate impact of flooding on low-income residents, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and communities of color, but no opposing arguments are recorded in the available materials.