Talking With Kids About Severe Weather

“Weather Hunters” is a new PBS KIDS show that helps develop kids’ awareness and curiosity about weather and climate. The series, created by weathercaster Al Roker, centers on Lily Hunter, an observant eight-year-old weather detective who shares her investigations with family and friends.

Weather can be fascinating to explore with kids. It can also be scary when it turns severe. Sara Sweetman, curriculum advisor for “Weather Hunters,” said that when grown-ups feel in control during severe weather, kids feel less stressed. With some simple strategies, your whole family can confidently prepare for severe weather. Use these tips to ease anxiety, explain what's happening in kid-friendly language, and help your family stay calm and ready, no matter the weather.

Get weather-curious. Each morning, my daughter’s classroom notices the weather outside together — getting to be a “weather watcher” is a favorite activity! Knowing how weather works and what to expect can help your child feel more capable and less anxious in the event of a storm.

You can notice different kinds of weather with your child, and talk about the types of typical weather and severe weather in your area. Listen to a local morning weather report and talk about what you heard. Read library books about your local climate. Watch “Weather Hunters” and talk about the episodes together.

Talk about where to go. "When thunder roars, go indoors!” Kids need to know where to stay safe in severe weather. Talk about where to take shelter during different types of severe weather, such as a basement or room with no windows. Walk through times when your child might be away from home during a storm, such as school or sports practice.

Keep conversations focused on what to do, not worst-case scenarios. This builds your child’s confidence to take action when needed!

Gather supplies. Discuss what you might need during a storm, like flashlights, a radio, blankets, water, or batteries. Having what you need increases feelings of control and stability.

You can say together: "The more you're prepared, the less you'll be scared!"

Learn more about making a severe weather safety kit and preparing for a weather emergency.

Take a team approach. Discuss everyone's role during severe weather events. Explain which grown-ups your child should listen to for instructions, like meteorologists, emergency broadcast announcers, parents, and teachers.

In “Weather Hunters,” the Hunter family solves weather mysteries and responds to weather events together. Include your child in your family’s severe weather plan to help everyone remain calm and focused, Sweetman said. A younger child can manage a flashlight or a radio. An older child might check a weather app with help.

Be clear, calm, and direct. When a storm comes, remind your child of the safety plan and give clear instructions:

• "A storm is coming. Let's go downstairs now."

• "The weather experts say it is time to go to our safe place. Please get your bag and meet me at the door."

• "It’s going to be very windy. We'll go to the bathroom, which has no windows. You can bring that toy."

Kids respond to their caregivers' emotions. If needed, take a moment to soothe your own worries first. Your calm will help create a sense of safety and stability.

Acknowledge fears. Even with preparation, kids may feel scared. Fear can be intense, even if danger is unlikely. It may help to name your child's feelings. Reassure them that they are safe. And have coping strategies available.

My daughter likes to sing together during thunderstorms. Benny Hunter keeps calm by caring for their dog and reassuring him. Your child can share what they are learning with a pet or a stuffie.

Keep your child updated. When kids don't understand what's happening, worry can grow. You can use simple, child-friendly language to keep your child informed:

• "These sirens remind us to stay in our safe place."

• "The wind caused the power to go out. We will use blankets to keep warm while we wait for helpers to fix it."
  

Look for (and be!) the helpers. Talk about how your family can assist with clean-up. Helping builds a sense of hope and community. Your child might pick up sticks or check on neighbors. Show the ways "we're in it together!" by pointing out other community helpers who are joining in clean-up efforts.

Address lingering worries. Even after a storm, your child may feel scared. They may see news about damage or hear others talking about it. Allow space to ask questions and express feelings. Let them know you understand. Talk about ways to cope and reassure them that they’re safe.

Build climate hope. As we face more severe weather events, we can empower kids to build climate hope rather than climate anxiety. "Research has shown that fear can lead to inaction," Sweetman said. Helping kids understand weather and climate is a key step to addressing their fears.

Learn and share how others are helping address the climate crisis. Talk about how communities can work together to make change. As “Weather Hunters” remind us, "Whatever the weather, we're in it together!"