Why this story matters: In the face of daunting global challenges, it is the smaller, localized victories that often provide the most significant inspiration. This story highlights one of those bright spots, proving that positive change is always possible.
Quick summary: This story highlights recent developments related to heroes, showing how constructive action can lead to meaningful results.
Hurricanes can be terrifying for those living near the ocean. In 2015, Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on South Florida. Elise Raurell remembered how the storm affected her community and how, as a child, she felt unprepared. In 2025, at just 16, she created Storm Smart as her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Storm Smart teaches about hurricane preparation in a way that’s easy for kids to understand.
“Growing up in South Florida, going to public school, I realized that we weren’t really learning anything about hurricane preparation safety, even though it’s super important,” Elise told CBS News.
Storm Smart Helps Kids to Create Hurricane Preparation Kits
Elise knew that the best way to teach kids about prepapring for a hurricane was to use kids as the teachers. Storm Safe makes learning about hurricane prep simple and not scary.
“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,” Elise explained.
So far, Storm Safe has helped 500 students learn how to prepare for a hurricane properly.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this program is seeing students learn the material and then go on to teach their peers about it, and through that learn leadership and teaching skills,” Elise said.
She explained that the idea came to her as she reflected on her own experience during Hurricane Irma.
“I was scared about the destruction on my street, and the trees that had fallen down. I want to make sure that every student is prepared for that, and they know what to expect,” she said.
Her mother, Abbie Raurell, told CBS her daughter’s enthusiasm impressed her.
“So proud and just impressed with her ability to come up with a project and work on it in such a self-sufficient and independent way,” Abbie Raurell said.
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