With peak hurricane season upon us it’s more important than ever to keep up with our preparations, and, as most of us know, kids can be great motivators… and great teachers. Enter longtime Pinecrest resident Bay Proby. After working closely with the Weather Channel for more than five years, Proby launched StormZone, a school-based multidisciplinary science and social studies education program that teaches students about the science of severe natural hazards and how emergency management agencies work with federal, state and local governments to prepare for and recover from such disasters. The program, designed for grades 6-12, includes FCAT-compliant supplementary curriculum about everything from hurricanes to flash floods; a Family Storm Preparedness Kit; and information about protecting your home and how to become a Red Cross volunteer after a severe weather event.
As part of the program select students also participate in a hurricane simulation, working from an actual emergency operations center and taking on the roles of everything from firefighter to law enforcement to mayor. “Once they get it, it’s nonstop,” says Proby, who is currently working with state organizations on grants and funding. “It’s all about the kids and all about learning.” For more information visit stormzone.us.
