Hurricane Sandy, she’s all over the news. As if the word “hurricane” isn’t scary enough, they’re not just calling her “Sandy”. They’re calling her a “Superstorm” and even “Frankenstorm”. Even though we don’t live in the path of Sandy here in Indiana, she’s still kind of scary. Being from Indiana, we know what it feels like to be afraid of storms because we have tornadoes here. Just like the tornadoes here, hurricanes can be less scary if we learn about them. Knowledge is power – when you understand what is going on you feel safer; confident that you know what to do.
Wherever you live, Indiana or New Jersey, it’s important to remember that there are grownups out there that know a lot about storms and how to keep people safe. Meteorologists and scientists and policemen and firemen…plus all kinds of other people who are trained to know what to do during weather emergencies. On this page are books and websites that can help you understand Sandy and hurricanes in general, as well as what can be done to keep you and the people you care about safe.
Why is Hurricane Sandy such a big deal? After reading this article Time Science & Space: Why Hurricane Sandy Will Be Historic I think Sandy is getting so much attention because:
- Sandy is a LARGE storm.
- Usually, air pressure pulls hurricanes out to sea…but at this time of year, there happens to be a winter storm coming from the West and cold air coming from the North. These air pressures make Sandy come ashore instead of blowing out to sea.
- The moon affects tides…today is a full moon.
- Sandy is hitting in a VERY populated area – 50-60 million people could be affected
- National Hurricane Center: Hurricane Sandy
- NASA Hurricane Sandy Video Gallery
Here are some websites, books and a video to help you understand Hurricanes and how to stay (and feel) safe during one:
- National Geographic Kids: Hurricanes 101
- The Weather Channel Kids!: Hurricane Minute
- NASA Space Place: How do Hurricanes Form?
- BrainPop Video: Hurricanes
- NASA Space Place Game: Wild Weather Adventure
- Sesame Street: Hurricane Kit – Tips, activities and videos to help you feel safe and understand hurricanes.
- KidsHealth: Hurricanes – More information to help you feel less fearful about hurricanes. Articulo en Espanol.
Hurricane Books:
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