arts
South Florida teen’s program helps students get hurricane-ready before the next storm
By CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
Inspired by her experience during Hurricane Irma, 16-year-old Elise Raurell created the peer-led Storm Smart program through her Girl Scout Gold Award project, teaching hundreds of South Florida students how to prepare for and stay safe during hurricanes.
Why this matters in The Miami
The Storm Smart program's focus on hurricane preparedness resonates deeply in Miami , where neighborhoods like Little Havana and Miami Beach are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of Atlantic hurricanes. As a major hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities, Miami's residents often have family ties to hurricane-prone areas, making storm readiness a pressing concern. By teaching students how to prepare for and stay safe during hurricanes, the Storm Smart program addresses a critical need in the community. Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which serve the area, may find value in integrating the program into their curriculum, helping to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the region's hurricane risks. The program's peer-led approach, developed by Elise Raurell, also has the potential to empower young people to take an active role in promoting storm safety within their own communities.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Inspired by her experience during Hurricane Irma, 16-year-old Elise Raurell created the peer-led Storm Smart program through her Girl Scout Gold Award project, teaching hundreds of South Florida students how to prepare for and stay safe during hurricanes.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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