Preparing Children for Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are frightening for everyone, but children are especially vulnerable. They may not understand what's happening, feel powerless, and pick up on their parents' fear. Preparing children before disasters and supporting them during and after can significantly reduce trauma and help the whole family cope.

Why Preparation Matters AAP

Children benefit from preparation because:

• Understanding reduces fear of the unknown
• Practice builds confidence
• Having a role gives them sense of control
• Knowing the plan reduces anxiety
• Preparation prevents panic during events

What preparation looks like:

• Age-appropriate conversations about risks
• Practice drills without creating fear
• Clear plans children can understand
• Assigned roles that help them feel useful

Age-Appropriate Conversations AAP

Toddlers and preschoolers (2-5):

• Keep explanations simple and brief
• Focus on safety: "We practice so we know how to stay safe"
• Use play to demonstrate (dolls going to safe places)
• Reassure constantly: "Adults will keep you safe"
• Don't provide more information than they ask for

School-age children (6-12):

• Can understand more about what disasters are
• Explain your family's specific plan
• Give them age-appropriate responsibilities
• Answer questions honestly but calmly
• Correct any misconceptions

Teenagers:

• Can handle more detailed information
• Include them in family planning
• May want to help others (volunteer opportunities)
• May have anxiety—take their concerns seriously
• Can be responsible for younger siblings during emergencies

Earthquake Preparation FEMA

Teach "Drop, Cover, Hold On":

• DROP to your hands and knees
• Take COVER under a sturdy table or desk
• HOLD ON until the shaking stops

Practice regularly:

• Make it a family drill
• Practice in different rooms
• Include finding cover when no furniture is available (cover head and neck, stay away from windows)

After an earthquake:

• Stay calm and check for injuries
• Expect aftershocks
• Stay away from damaged buildings
• Follow your family plan

Hurricane Preparation FEMA

Before hurricane season:

• Discuss what hurricanes are (big storms with lots of wind and rain)
• Show the designated safe area in your home
• Practice going to the safe area quickly
• Prepare emergency kit together

When a hurricane is approaching:

• Be honest: "A big storm is coming, but we're prepared"
• Involve children in preparation (gathering supplies, helping with pets)
• Maintain routines as much as possible
• Keep calm—children mirror your emotions

During the hurricane:

• Stay in safe area
• Have activities ready (games, books)
• Talk about what they're hearing
• Reassure them the sounds are normal during storms

Tornado Preparation FEMA

Teach tornado safety:

• Go to the lowest floor
• Find an interior room with no windows
• Bathroom, closet, or hallway
• Cover yourself with blankets or mattress
• Crouch low, cover head

Practice tornado drills:

• Sound an alarm or announcement
• Time how long it takes to get to safe area
• Make it routine, not scary

Watch vs. Warning:

• Watch = conditions are possible, be prepared
• Warning = happening now, take shelter immediately
• Help children understand the difference

Wildfire Preparation FEMA

If you live in a fire-prone area:

• Discuss evacuation routes and practice
• Pack go-bags that children can carry
• Include comfort items and activities
• Practice leaving quickly without panic

Air quality concerns:

• Explain why they need to stay inside on smoky days
• Make indoor time fun
• Have masks available if needed

Flooding Preparation FEMA

Teach flood safety:

• Never walk through moving water
• Never play in flood water
• Stay away from streams and drainage
• "Turn around, don't drown"

If flooding is possible:

• Explain why you're moving things upstairs
• Practice evacuation routes
• Know where to go if you need to evacuate

During Any Disaster AAP

Keep children informed but calm:

• Give them accurate, age-appropriate information
• Don't let them watch endless news coverage
• Address their specific fears
• Be honest if you don't know something

Maintain routines when possible:

• Mealtimes, bedtimes, activities
• Routine provides comfort and normalcy
• Even small routines help

Allow emotional expression:

• All feelings are okay
• Let them talk about their fears
• Don't dismiss their concerns
• Physical comfort (hugs, holding hands)

Give them a role:

• Helping pack supplies
• Caring for pets
• Entertaining younger siblings
• Being in charge of their own bag

After a Disaster AAP

Emotional recovery takes time:

Common reactions in children:

• Fear and anxiety
• Sleep problems and nightmares
• Regression (thumb sucking, bedwetting)
• Clinginess
• Changes in appetite
• Irritability or aggression
• Trouble concentrating
• Physical complaints

These are normal and usually temporary. Seek professional help if symptoms persist more than a few weeks or severely impact daily function.

How to help:

• Maintain routines
• Provide extra comfort and attention
• Let them talk about their experience
• Limit media exposure
• Reassure them it wasn't their fault
• Be patient with regression

Rebuilding security:

• Show them the steps you're taking to recover
• Let them participate in rebuilding when appropriate
• Celebrate small returns to normalcy
• Keep promises you make

Creating a Family Emergency Plan FEMA

Include children in planning:

• Family meeting place near home
• Family meeting place outside neighborhood
• Out-of-area contact person
• School pickup/reunification plans

Make sure children know:

• Their full name and address
• Parents' full names and phone numbers
• Emergency contact outside the area
• How to call 911
• What to do at school during an emergency

Practice the plan:

• Regular drills without fear-mongering
• Test communication methods
• Update as children grow
• Review after any close calls

Special Situations AAP

If separated from children during a disaster:

• Follow school reunification procedures
• Don't go to the school unless instructed
• Contact your out-of-area emergency contact
• Stay calm—your child's school has emergency plans

If your home is damaged:

• Be honest but reassuring about what happened
• Let children grieve lost items
• Involve them in decisions when appropriate
• Keep familiar objects close

If someone is injured:

• Be honest about what happened
• Reassure them it's not their fault
• Answer questions simply and directly
• Seek support for your own feelings too

Building Resilience AAP

Help children become more resilient:

Before disasters:

• General coping skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Strong relationships
• Sense of security

During disasters:

• Feeling they have some control
• Understanding what's happening
• Connection to family

After disasters:

• Processing the experience
• Returning to routines
• Celebrating recovery
• Learning from the experience

The Bottom Line

Preparing children for natural disasters is about building confidence, not creating fear. Use age-appropriate language, practice drills without panic, involve children in planning, and maintain your own calm. After a disaster, watch for signs of stress, maintain routines, and allow children to process their experiences. With preparation and support, children can cope with and recover from natural disasters.

Clara can help you create age-appropriate disaster plans and support children's emotional needs during emergencies!