Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Channel 13 Meteorologist Travis Herzog visited Ridgecrest Elementary recently, providing third- through fifth-grade students with some weather safety tips to remember next time dangerous weather occurs in Houston. 

“I want to help you find peace in the storm,” Mr. Herzog told the students at the beginning of his Nov. 7 presentation, after asking how many of them were scared during Hurricane Harvey last year. “I want you to know what to do, if you ever feel scared again.”

Ridgecrest Elementary was chosen for a visit from the award-winning meteorologist at KTRK-TV 13 from an application submitted by teacher Katlyn Knowlton, who was so thrilled to have this weather safety presentation brought to her school.

Mr. Herzog told the students about a time in his youth when tornados were threatening his hometown of San Antonio. It made a big impression on him when his mother put his siblings and him in the bathtub with padded pillows and blankets to protect them from a possible tornado. 

This extraordinary experience as a child motivated him to want to learn more about storms and what to do when threatened with dangerous weather. He went on to study meteorology at Texas A & M University in College Station.

During his engaging presentation at Ridgecrest, Mr. Herzog taught the assembly that high water events are the most dangerous.

“Respect the water,” Mr. Herzog advised the students.

He showed examples of dangerous weather scenarios, and he provided the students with catchy statements to remind them what to do in various situations. In unison, he had them practice phrases such as:

• For high water: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
• For lightning storms: “When thunder roars, go indoors.”
• For tornados: “Go inside, drop and hide.”
• For hurricanes: “Run from the water, hide from the wind.”

As the students waved giant lightning bolts, rain drops, clouds and other welcome/thank you posters, Herzog wrapped up his lively and engaging presentation by recording a group of four students doing a Channel 13 Weather segment greeting, punctuated by cheering from their peers. 

When asked what type of weather is his favorite, Mr. Herzog replied, “I love cold fronts!” He must have been happy recently as Houston cooled down this week with a strong cold front. Should weather get dicey, the Ridgecrest Elementary students are now better equipped to react appropriately.

Watch video spotlight here.