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                  Storm That Drowned a City
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                  Viewing Ideas
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            Before Watching
           
            
              
                Have students locate New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico on a
                map. Then use a more detailed map of the city and point out Lake
                Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River, and the coastal wetlands.
              
              
                Help students learn more about hurricanes by making a chart on
                the board (or a handout) that includes basic information about
                them (see
                Links & Books
                for more information). Discuss the following with students:
               
                What is a hurricane?What causes it to form?What are the main parts of a hurricane?What stages does a hurricane go through?What causes a hurricane to increase in intensity?How are hurricanes rated? 
            After Watching
           
            
              
                Often before the arrival of major storms, people are asked to
                evacuate. Tell students that they are residents in a city that
                is 4 meters below sea level and a hurricane is heading toward
                the area. What might be some reasons they would leave or stay?
              
              
                Some population centers are susceptible to area-wide hazards
                that may require evacuation. Ask students if they know what to
                do in the case of a disaster. Have them research their local
                civil defense plan. What hazards have people prepared for? How
                will citizens get instructions? What are citizens supposed to
                do? Have students find out what their school's emergency plan
                is. You might also have them create personal weather emergency
                plans.
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