When Hurricane Irma swept through South Florida, Elise Raurell was just a child. The fallen trees, damaged neighbourhoods and uncertainty left a lasting impression on her. Years later, that frightening experience inspired the 16-year-old to solve a problem she believed schools had overlooked.Instead of waiting for someone else to act, the Florida teenager created Storm Smart—a student-led hurricane preparedness programme designed to teach children what to do before, during and after a storm.What began as her Girl Scout Gold Award project has already reached nearly 500 students, with plans to expand to more schools across South Florida.
Turning a childhood fear into a classroom lesson
Growing up in one of the most hurricane-prone regions of the United States, Raurell was surprised that students received little formal education on hurricane preparedness.Speaking to CBS News Miami, she said she realised that although hurricanes are a regular part of life in South Florida, schools weren’t teaching students how to prepare for them or stay safe during emergencies.That observation became the foundation for Storm Smart.The programme includes classroom presentations, printable learning materials, online resources and social media content that explain how to prepare emergency kits, stay safe during a hurricane and avoid common dangers after a storm, such as flooded roads and downed power lines.
Students teaching students
One of Storm Smart’s most distinctive features is its peer-to-peer model.Rather than relying solely on teachers, students present the material to classmates, helping spread awareness while developing communication and leadership skills.Raurell says one of the most rewarding parts of the initiative has been watching students learn the information and then confidently teach others, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond a single classroom.Her third learning module focuses specifically on what to do while a hurricane is happening and immediately afterwards—knowledge she believes can make a real difference during emergencies.
A project with a larger purpose
Raurell hopes Storm Smart will continue expanding so that more schools can include hurricane preparedness as part of everyday learning.Her initiative highlights how students can identify gaps in education and create practical solutions that benefit entire communities.What started as one teenager’s response to a frightening childhood memory has become a growing movement to help young people face future storms with greater confidence, knowledge and preparedness.Storm Smart resources are available online through the programme’s official website and social media platforms. A CBS News Miami report has also documented Raurell’s initiative and its impact, and you can embed that video at the end of the article.
