Kids Can Be Disaster Weather Watchers Too
Release Date: July 24, 2003
Release Number: 1474-68
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- Like adults, kids are exposed to all kinds of weather information and understanding what's being reported can be vital. Today's kids are becoming disaster-weather savvy and safe by using the many resources available to them.
As they watch television at home, kids can become acquainted with disaster weather terms like flooding, flash floods. Educators, parents and guardians can explain the weather terms in a child-friendly way; and, in turn, the children may even teach their friends what dangerous weather is and how to react to it.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has an educational weather Web site for youngsters. By visiting www.education.noaa.gov/sweather.html online, kids grades K through 5 can get information on the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning. They can also read what to do if they are caught in a flood while camping, playing outside or riding in a car. The site also includes access to weather safety coloring books.
For kids grades 6 through 12, there are activities on the Web site that make learning about the earth and its weather fun and informative. A section called "Low Water Crossing" gives the site visitor a video tour showing the dangers of driving through high water. Teachers can also download weather-related activities for their students.
Educating our youth on the perils of disasters and how to become "weather-watchers" creates well-informed children that one day will lead to well-informed adults.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a disaster information Web site just for kids. Parents and teachers as well are encouraged to log onto www.fema.gov/kids/ for more disaster facts and information.
Last Modified: Thursday, 24-Jul-2003 09:28:58