safety
South Florida teen's Storm Smart program teaches hundreds of students hurricane preparedness
By Najahe Sherman at CBS4 Miami
· June 30, 2026
· 2 min read
As hurricane season continues, a South Florida teenager is helping prepare the next generation for severe weather by teaching classmates how to stay safe before, during and after a hurricane through a peer-led education program that has already reached hundreds of students.Sixteen-year-old Elise Rau
Key takeaway CBS News Miami "Module 3 covers the details of during and after the storm, which might be the most important part, how to stay safe when the hurricane is actually happening, and after it occurs," Raurell said.
Why this matters in The Miami
The Storm Smart program's focus on peer-led education is particularly well-suited to Miami's diverse neighborhoods, such as Little Havana and Wynwood, where community engagement and leadership are highly valued. By empowering students to teach their classmates about hurricane preparedness, the program not only conveys critical safety information but also fosters a sense of responsibility and civic engagement among young people. As Miami continues to face the risks of Atlantic hurricanes and sea-level rise, initiatives like Storm Smart can play a vital role in building a more resilient community. The program's expansion to more schools across South Florida is a welcome development, and its potential to reach students in vulnerable coastal areas, such as Miami Beach, is especially significant. By educating the next generation about hurricane preparedness, Storm Smart can help ensure that Miami's residents are better equipped to withstand the challenges posed by severe weather.
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: safety ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As hurricane season continues, a South Florida teenager is helping prepare the next generation for severe weather by teaching classmates how to stay safe before, during and after a hurricane through a peer-led education program that has already reached hundreds of students.Sixteen-year-old Elise Rau
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 Najahe Sherman 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 safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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