A Matter of Choice: Living in Wildfire-Prone Locales

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"Yes, people should be allowed to live where they want." This was the resounding response to the Kids' Environmental Report Card question of whether new houses should be built in fire-prone parts of the country.

Of course, adults as well as kids have shown overwhelming support for rebuilding homes burnt by wildfires. Many businesses have rallied in support of the San Diego Foundation's "After the Fire Fund" for victims of the October 2007 wildfires in southern California.

In just four days, the blazes in and around California's San Diego County burned more than 400,000 acres and forced at least 500,000 people to flee their homes — the largest evacuation in state history. An estimated 2,100 homes and other buildings were damaged by this natural disaster.

Risky Business

"More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings in or near forests, rural areas, or remote mountain sites," notes the American Red Cross Web site on wildfire safety. "There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire."

The Red Cross offers a number of safety measures for people living in fire-prone areas. "Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety," its Web site suggests. "Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors' skills, such as medical or technical. Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons."

Helping Children Explore & Protect Our Planet
Sprung discusses several ways to introduce children to the issues of ecology and conservation. During the early childhood years, teachers should provide children with a learning environment that fosters a love of nature and a commitment to preserving the Earth's precious natural resources. For more information and suggested readings, click on the links to "Home-School Connection" and "Resources."

Global Warming: Doing Something Is Better Than Nothing | Kids' Environmental Report Card 2008
What are kids willing to do to help stop global warming? Some things, but not everything according to recent poll results.

Earth Day
Earth Day is a global holiday that celebrates our planet's environment. Every year on April 22, people host different events to remember the Earth. But Earth Day is not just about appreciating the environment's about preserving it as well.

LESSON PLAN

Climate Change Students will read about factors that can impact Earth's climate and demonstrate understanding by answering reading comprehension questions.