Teaching Kids About Natural Disasters

Safety & Preparedness

Educating and talking to children about natural disasters helps them feel safer and more secure, especially during and after natural disasters occur. During and in the aftermath of natural disasters, children might feel threatened, insecure, worried, and emotionally unsettled.

Today, children live in a world where news and photos are instant. They watch live coverage of buildings being destroyed, and sometimes, people dying. Social networks deliver devastating news 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and since children often have their own accounts, parents have less control over what they see. It is important to talk to children about natural disasters.

Once children are exposed to the realities of such tragedies, they need to know that people are available to render help. Tell children about agencies such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the Red Cross. Educate children about state agencies too, such as GEMA (Georgia Emergency Management Agency). Let children know that local and private agencies are available to help as well — Habitat for Humanity helps families rebuild homes after a natural disaster, and local churches often organize missions teams to deliver physical aid and hope to victims of tragedies.

Faith is the thread that weaves through every aspect of family life, from morning prayers to bedtime stories. When parents intentionally build a home centered on biblical truth, children learn to see God's hand in both ordinary days and challenging moments. Preschool education offers a beautiful opportunity to plant seeds of faith through simple Bible studies, engaging activities, and read-aloud times that spark curiosity about God's world. Whether exploring creation through science experiments or learning obedience through beloved picture books, young hearts absorb the love of Jesus when it is modeled consistently. The journey of Christian parenting is not about perfection but about showing up each day with grace, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside our little ones.

Building a home library filled with quality children's books opens doors to meaningful conversations and shared discovery. Thoughtfully chosen stories can introduce biblical values, teach empathy, and spark imagination in ways that screen time simply cannot replicate. Book reviews help parents navigate the vast sea of children's literature, identifying titles that align with family values while still delighting young readers. From Amish fiction for adults to board books about pandas and giraffes for toddlers, every genre has its place in nurturing growing minds. When families read together, they create sacred space for connection, laughter, and the kind of deep discussions that shape character and faith for a lifetime.

Calm analog film still life with a small ceramic bowl and folded linen on a wooden surface, soft daylight, gentle grain

Vocabulary Lessons

Develop vocabulary lessons around natural disaster terminology. Some children might not understand the difference between a hurricane and a tsunami, or the difference between a hurricane and a tornado. In addition to explaining the terminology and drilling kids on the definitions, add variety by creating crossword puzzles, word searches, word-scrambling games, and spelling competitions.

  • Hurricane
  • Tornado
  • Tsunami
  • Earthquake
  • Flood
  • Terrorism
Soft analog film photograph of a child's hands resting on an open picture book about weather, warm muted tones, visible film grain

Trusted Resources

Programs & Tools for Families

Ready.Gov/Kids

Sponsored by FEMA, this site offers a four-step plan of preparedness: know the facts, make a plan, build a kit, and complete a quiz to earn a Readiness U Graduation Certificate. Families and classrooms can access print-outs to help develop plans, gather emergency supplies, and make disaster kits together. Children also gain access to activities and games that encourage preparedness.

Red Cross Master of Disaster Curriculum

The American Red Cross offers curriculum materials that meet national education standards. Parents and teachers may order one of three sets tailored to lower elementary (K–2), upper elementary (3–5), or middle school (6–8). Lessons are non-sequential, allowing for flexibility. Activities build on skills across Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies, helping relieve anxiety while instilling confidence.

Allow Children to Get Involved

Encourage children to participate in developing a family preparedness plan. Families who live in disaster-prone areas usually know how to prepare, but all children benefit from learning to make plans and be prepared. Ready.Gov/Kids offers suggestions for helping kids get involved, and teachers and parents should go over the materials with them.

The knowledge children gain while participating in programs like the Red Cross Master of Disaster curriculum relieves anxiety and instills confidence so they are better prepared if they should encounter a natural disaster. Topics include preparing for any disaster with "Be Disaster Safe" lessons, among others.