MSU Extension Child & Family Development

When the skies darken and sirens begin to wail, children often look to adults around them for cues on how to react. Talking with children about severe weather before it happens can help them feel prepared, not panicked. With changing weather patterns and increased emphasis on emergency readiness, it’s more important than ever to have open, calm conversations with children about what to expect when severe weather strikes.

Each spring, Michigan holds an annual statewide tornado drill as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week. The drill serves as a vital reminder to review safety procedures at home and school by prompting many families to practice heading to basements or designated shelters.

Other states hosted similar events, combining siren tests, public messaging and weather safety education. The consistency of these drills shows a growing national effort to equip children and families with the knowledge they need to act quickly. Michigan State University Extension offers these tips on helping to prepare the children in your life.

Know the sound and what it means

Outdoor warning sirens are activated for more than just tornadoes. In many counties, they also sound during severe thunderstorms with winds exceeding 70 miles per hour or large hail. According to the National Weather Service, sirens are designed primarily to warn people outdoors, so it’s essential to have multiple alert systems in place at home, including National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios and weather alert apps.

Explaining sirens ahead of time can ease anxiety. Let children know that sirens are a signal to act, not a cause for panic. Say something like: “When we hear the siren, it means strong storms are nearby. We’re going to our safe spot to keep everyone protected.”

Practice makes prepared

Use drills as teaching moments. Let children help choose the safe space in your home, typically a basement or windowless interior room, and involve them in assembling a storm kit. This can include a flashlight, weather radio, bottled water and comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or book.

Rehearsing the routine together when the weather is not bad helps reduce fear and builds confidence. Remind children what your family plan is, where you go and what you should do if they need to take cover. Be prepared to answer questions about what to do in other locations, if you’re outside, etc. If you do not know, it’s okay to say, “That’s a good question! Let’s find out!” and then research together to get the answers.

Supporting children emotionally

Children process emergencies differently based on age. Young children may become clingy or regress behaviorally; older children may express fear through questions or quiet withdrawal. Preparing them with facts—and modeling calm behavior—helps them cope.

Experts recommend normalizing children's reactions and offering simple comfort techniques such as deep breathing or squeezing a stress ball. As Tulsa Kids Magazine notes, parents can reduce storm anxiety by using simple language, staying physically close and focusing on safety.

Limiting children's exposure to live news coverage during storms is also key. Intense visuals and urgent commentary can overwhelm even older children. If watching coverage together, help interpret what they’re seeing and reassure them about their own safety. Tell them how professionals, emergency responders and community volunteers are working to keep everyone safe.

After severe storms, organizations like the American Red Cross and Ready.gov highlight the importance of community support and emotional care in disaster recovery—especially for children.

Children learn a tremendous amount about the world around them from their parents and other caregivers. You can help grow and nurture realistic thinkers with a good plan in the event of an emergency by being thoughtful with your approach. Avoid encouraging kids to talk too much about their worries, fears, dwelling on the negatives and not moving on. Encourage children to face some fears. For instance, do not skip soccer just because of a storm watch, but explain what you are doing to ensure their safety. Help children learn to express their feelings appropriately without being overly reassuring. Most importantly, develop a disaster safety plan and be prepared. By working with your children and maintaining open communication, you can help support them in these potentially hazardous situations.