How to help children stay calm and safe during extreme weather

As El Niño and extreme weather once again dominate the headlines, heavy rains, floods and prolonged power cuts can leave children with questions that adults may struggle to answer: Will the water reach our house? Where will we go if we have to leave? Will my school be safe?

For children, a sudden change in weather can quickly turn an ordinary rainy day into a frightening experience. But protecting them does not mean keeping them in the dark. Parents can prepare children by explaining risks in simple terms, teaching them what to do in an emergency and involving them in a family safety plan.

The goal is not to make children afraid of the rain, but to help them feel prepared, informed and confident when the weather turns dangerous.

Waimimah Kiganya, a counselling psychologist, explains that children often cope better with difficult situations when they know what to expect.

“Instead of waiting until water is already entering the compound or the family has been told to evacuate, use an ordinary moment to explain extreme weather in simple, age-appropriate language,” says Kiganya, adding: “A younger child may only need to know that sometimes there is so much rain that water can rise quickly and that the family has a plan to stay safe.”

An older child can understand more about flooding, blocked roads, weather warnings and why the family may sometimes need to leave home temporarily, and the conversation does not have to become a climate-change lecture.

“It can begin with a simple question: What would we do if we had to leave home because of heavy rain?” says the expert.

Then listen.

Children may surprise parents with what they already know, or reveal fears that adults did not realize they were carrying.

UNICEF recommends that families talk together about floods, understand the risks in their area and practise a safety plan rather than trying to work everything out during an emergency.

Give them a job

According to UNICEF, preparedness becomes less frightening when children feel that they have a small, manageable role. Depending on their age, a child can help check that a torch works, remind the family where the emergency bag is kept, identify the family meeting point or memorise important telephone numbers.

The UN organization’s guidelines explain that older children can help check that essential items such as medicines, drinking water, non-perishable food, important documents and basic first-aid supplies are ready. This does not mean making children responsible for the family’s safety. The responsibility remains with adults. Rather, it gives children a sense of participation and control.

For a younger child, the role might be as simple as knowing: “If Mom says we are leaving, I take my shoes and stay with her.”

That is preparedness in language a child can understand.

Practise the plan

A family emergency plan should not live only in a parent’s head. Children should know where the family will meet if members become separated, which trusted adult they can approach and what they should do if they cannot reach their parents.

Teach children their full names and, when appropriate, their parents’ or caregivers’ telephone numbers. For younger children, parents can keep contact details somewhere safe and accessible. The family should also identify safe routes out of the home and know where they would go if evacuation became necessary.

“If a school has an emergency plan, parents should know what it is and explain the relevant parts to their children — The more familiar the plan becomes, the less children have to process in the middle of a crisis,” says Ruth Nzibo, a consultant on Disaster Management.

UNICEF similarly recommends practising evacuation routes, agreeing on a meeting point and learning how local alerts are communicated.

Teach the floodwater rule

One message should be particularly clear: Children should never play in or walk through floodwater. Water that looks shallow can conceal holes, debris, open drains or other hazards. Moving water can also become dangerous very quickly.

Children should know that a flooded road is not an invitation to explore. It is a place to stop and wait for an adult’s instruction.

“If authorities advise evacuation, families should follow official directions and move to safety rather than attempting to cross dangerous water; keep children away from moving and stagnant floodwater. This is one area where parents do not need complicated explanations,” says Ruth.

She explains water can look safe and still be dangerous. “Stay with me and don’t go near it.”

Let children ask difficult questions

UNICEF says children may ask questions to which adults do not have immediate answers, such as: “What if our house floods?” “What if Daddy is not home?” “What if school closes?” “What if we lose our things?”

The guidelines stress the importance of clear reassurance to ensure children are not anxious by answering questions truthfully. For instance: “We don’t know exactly what will happen, but we have a plan. If we are told to leave, we will leave together.”

UNICEF recommends giving children honest, age-appropriate information about emergencies without overwhelming them with frightening details. Parents can monitor what younger children watch and help older children distinguish official warnings from online rumours and speculation.

Ruth says preparedness also includes emotional support. “A child who has experienced flooding, displacement or another frightening weather event may continue to worry even after the immediate danger has passed,” she explains.

Families can prepare by knowing local risks, emergency contacts, safe places and keeping essential supplies ready.

“Teach children what to do, and practise it. Being prepared is not the same as being afraid,” says Kiganya. The goal is to help children feel safe, informed and confident when emergencies occur.

“A younger child may only need to know that sometimes there is so much rain that water can rise quickly and that the family has a plan to stay safe.” — Kiganya