Hurricane Sandy: Don't Leave your Kids in the Dark

 

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/9639915/Hurricane-Sandy-live.html

As North Carolina and the Northeast brace for what meteorologists are predicting to be the worst storm to ever hit the area, some parents may be wondering how best to communicate with their kids during this natural disaster.  Chances are, your kids are excited.  Some schools are closed and everyone is talking about it! Change from the daily routine can be exciting for kids and fear invoking for others.  As adults, we have weathered many storms and natural disasters and we generally know what to expect through all the media hype. The media tends to sensationalize things, and many times for a good reason: so that people will take the threats seriously and be prepared.  But kids don't necessarily know how to seperate the media "doomsday" hype from reality because they don't have enough life experience reconcile the two.  It is important to explain to children that with preparation and common sense, storms like this are not life threatening.  It is true that people's homes may be flooded, but the important thing is the health and safety of the people.  Material possessions can be replaced. 

Source: http://bottomline.nbcnews.com/

Events that are occuring in real time, make the best teaching moments.  Hurricane Sandy presents two good opportunities:

 

1. Hurricane Science

 

2. Natural Disaster Preparation and Safety

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the government agency charged with conducting atmospheric, climate, and weather science for the country.  They employ meteoroligists, climate scientists, and oceanographers, among other scientists to keep us abreast of the latest science that will be affecting our nation.  They also serve as a source for science education.  If you visit their website, http://www.noaa.gov/stormcentral/ , you can track Sandy, learn the science behind hurricanes and hurricane tracking, read about preparedness, read the latest predictions, and much more.