Natural disasters are a scary phenomenon, even for adults. No matter how much we try to prepare, unexpected disasters can be frightening. With news of how Hurricane Helene and soon Milton devastated parts of Florida and tropical storms causing floods in different parts of the world in this season, introducing the concept of natural disasters to children can feel intimidating and terrifying. You may want to avoid the topic because you don’t want to freak your children out, but the best way to help your child cope when a disaster does happen is to prepare them beforehand by talking about it.
There are no right or wrong ways to talk to your child about this important topic, but here are a few ways you can discuss natural disasters and help them feel a little more prepared to face them.
Remain calm.
When you’re in the middle of a flood, landslide, earthquake, fire, or storm, it can feel excruciatingly difficult to remain calm. However, in situations that may cause panic, we have all learned that it’s even more vital to stay calm so you can think clearly and respond rationally.
Even if you aren’t in the middle of a natural disaster, discussing the importance of remaining calm and showing that demeanor to your children can make them feel more at ease. Children pick up on your emotions even if you don’t verbalize them, so talking to them about the facts of a natural disaster, such as a wildfire, is important so they don’t freak out.
Stick to the facts.
Like with many difficult conversations with your children, it’s crucial to stick to the facts and not let fears, “what if” questions or opinions sway the conversation or blow the topic out of proportion. For example, you can discuss what happened in Florida during Hurricane Ian in kid-friendly terms by first seeing what they already know.
Instead of focusing on the devastation, you can talk about what a hurricane is and how it forms. Older children can learn more about it from fact-based books or websites, while you can watch age-appropriate informative videos or read books with younger ones.
Your child may have questions, such as “Will that happen to us?” or “Are we safe?” You can do your best to answer them. There may be some things you don’t know how to respond to, but help your child remember what Mr. Rogers, the famous children’s television host, once said about seeing or experiencing scary situations: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people helping.”
Ease their anxiety.
After introducing the concept of natural disasters to your child, they may have a lot of fears. Answer any questions they may have and help them express their feelings about it. Younger children may especially have difficulty understanding or verbalizing what they are feeling. Asking them to draw a picture of what they are afraid of may reveal the root of their fears or what is upsetting them. If they can write, you can ask them to tell you a story or write a story about what they are afraid of to gain more insight.
You can help your child feel more in control by giving them a job to do. If you need to evacuate because of a wildfire, you can ask them to take pictures of their toys, pack up snacks or food, hold the family pet, or do another job to make them feel like they are helping.
Before a disaster hits, you can create an emergency kit together to help your child feel more prepared. Pack important essentials like water, batteries, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, two weeks’ worth of food, and other supplies. You can shop for these items together and pack them in a fireproof bag or box before deciding where to keep them. Create a family emergency action plan to add to your child’s feeling of security with the knowledge that a natural disaster may not happen soon in your area. Still, it’s always good to be prepared.
Follow up.
Your children may need some time to process information and their emotions after you talk with them. Let them know you’re always there to talk or answer their questions when ready. Give them a day or two and check in with them to see if they understand the information and want to talk about anything. If they seem fine, then don’t feel like you need to press them for any emotions.
Check out the resources below to learn more about preparing for natural disasters in Oregon.
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.