Lightning and Hurricane Safety Knowledge and the Effects of Education Modes on Elementary School Children

Natural hazard education research has received minimal attention. Researchers in the area of natural hazards have focused primarily on database management and safety recommendations. Best practices for natural hazard education and their modes have been overlooked. Current research has postulated that natural hazard education may be more efficacious when delivered to school children since school children disseminate the information to family and friends. Research on the most effective method to educate school children or the general public on natural hazards has seen very little attention, except for a recent lightning safety survey, which illustrated the need for further research, especially regarding school children. This study surveyed school children's safety knowledge in the state of Ohio on two types of natural hazards with variable exposure rates, hurricanes and lightning. Following the survey, three education modes were administered: video, workbook, and presentation. Post-mode and delayed post-mode surveys followed. The results answer numerous study questions regarding sources of hazard information in school children, the current knowledge of lightning and hurricane safety, the most effective mode for natural hazard education and retention, and lightning safety education of school children versus college students.