Project DUANE

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PROJECT D.U.A.N.E.

 

Project DUANE is a comic book about a hero named Duane who educates children about staying safe in extreme weather occurrences.  It will be a part of a safety and education program designed to teach children and their families the importance of preparing for extreme weather conditions.

The goal is to develop a plan to work with experienced individuals such as science teachers and meteorologists to teach kids in a non- threatening manner what to do and how to stay safe under certain weather-related conditions or situations.

The comic book would be distributed as part of the education program as a reminder of what to do and how to prepare for extreme weather events.  It would encourage the children as well as parents and guardians to visit certain safety sites and to gather information needed to help the family stay safe.

Weather warnings are often displayed on TV, news broadcasts, and radio; things that children do not often watch or listen to these days.  These warnings are not often on cell phones, tablets or featured while kids are playing video games, and they could miss crucial weather related warnings.  Often kids are home alone and may also be taking care of siblings.  Putting the book in the hands of students may remind them to form a safety plan before they experience a power outage, lighting strike, flood, or other events while on their own. 

In an article entitled “In Coast Guard commencement address, Obama buoys climate change” written by Allie Malloy and Kristen Holmes of CNN May 20, 2015, President Barack Obama was quoted as saying “Climate change will impact every country on the planet, no nation is immune”.

Some people say climate change is absolute while some people do not believe in climate change at all.  We do know that hundreds of tornados, floods, wildfires, storms and other weather events happen every year, unfortunately with some tragedies.  Some of these events turn out to be extreme.  I believe no matter what the cause, we must concern ourselves with the effects.  We need to begin a dialogue and increase visibility around educating, planning and preparing for such hazards, as we have done with other potential dangers such as fire safety.  When it comes to the health, safety and well-being of our children, the needs of the many outweigh everything.

Today’s youth will face decisions and inherit a situation shaped by world leaders today around this subject.  They will need to learn and perhaps pass on relevant knowledge as we strive to find solutions today.

 If you also consider this to be an important issue and believe that there should be a plan in place to educate children on how to plan, prepare and stay safe during extreme weather events please join me in introducing Project D.U.A.N.E.

The White House, Washington

“Dear Susie:

Thank you for sharing your story.  Natural disasters and severe weather threaten communities across every region of our country and across the world.  Many people’s lives have been touched by their effects, and I appreciate your reaching out.

When disaster strikes, our fellow citizens need to know their country will be there for them and stand beside them.  There will be homes, schools, and roads to rebuild; businesses and hospitals to reopen; families to support; and first responders to honor.  During difficult times, we are reminded that our Nation is bound together and that we have to look out for each other.  If you have been directly affected, you should visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov to access current response and recovery information.

We also need to plan for natural disasters and for the current and future impacts of climate change.  We must build smarter, more resilient infrastructure that protects our homes and businesses and withstands damage from disasters.  And training and education for our first responders and all our citizens are absolutely critical.  Each of us should do whatever we can to prepare ourselves and our loved ones for these events.  I encourage you to visit www.Ready.gov and www.FEMA.gov to get informed and make an emergency plan.

As Americans, our spirit is strong and resilient.  We go through tough times, but we bounce back.  By working together and staying prepared, we can save lives and ensure a brighter future for all our citizens.  Thank you, again, for your message.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama”

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