12/13/2022    Topic: Ready for Winter

The street is covered with snow and ice. 

It is dangerous to walk and drive. 

Is it a weather emergency?

 

Maria’s neighborhood has a power outage. 

John’s neighborhood does not.

Power outage information in Seattle: https://seattle.gov/city-light/outages

Today’s Words

WINTER WEATHER

Meaning: Weather that is cold, rainy, and snowy.

Example: Jack is not ready for the winter weather. He doesn’t have a coat!

 

WEATHER EMERGENCY

Meaning: When the weather is dangerous.

Example: Seattle is having a weather emergency. Many cars are stuck in the deep snow.

 

WEATHER DISASTER

Meaning: When the weather causes people to die or damages buildings.

Example: The flood in Washington in 2009 was a weather disaster. 30,000 people had to leave their homes. Many houses were destroyed. 

 

PREPARE

Meaning: To get ready for something

Example: The students prepared for the test by studying together.

 

POWER OUTAGE

Meaning: When the electricity is not working. Often because of bad weather.

Example: Lisa’s neighborhood has a power outage but Lee’s neighborhood is fine.

 

EMERGENCY KIT

Meaning: The things you will need if there is an emergency in your city.  

Example: Lena keeps an emergency kit under her bed so she’s ready for an earthquake.

Small Group Questions

1. What is your favorite type of weather? Why?

2. Most people don’t like winter weather. Describe what happens in winter weather.

3. Where do you get information about the weather? How often do you check the weather – every day? Every hour?

4. A weather emergency is when the weather is dangerous. For example, the street is covered with snow and ice. Name 2 examples of a weather emergency.

5. Describe a weather emergency you experienced in Seattle or your home country. What happened? What did you do?

6. A weather disaster is different from a weather emergency. People die and houses are destroyed. Have you experienced a weather disaster? Do you know someone who did?

7. A power outage is when there is no electricity in your home. This can happen in a winter storm. Have you experienced a power outage? How many hours was it? What did you do?

8. Is it safe to use candles for light in a power outage? Is it safe to use the fireplace for heat?

9. When it snows in Seattle, sometimes schools close for a snow day. How do you get information about a snow day? Do we have English class at Literacy Source on a snow day?

10. What are some ways to prepare for a weather emergency? For example, have a flashlight and batteries at home.

11. An emergency kit is a bag with things you need in an emergency. For example, water bottles. Name 3 things to have in an emergency kit.

12. Do you have an emergency kit at home? Where do you keep it? In the house? In the car?