PBS KIDS Helps Families With Storm Preparedness

The weather has been crazy all over lately, right? Here in Denver we have had flash floods and tornadoes. Not just out on the plains – but in town! Luckily my son, at nearly 13, has an easy time understanding what to do.

How to we help the little ones, though? PBS KIDS to the rescue! Both Arthur and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will be airing new episodes on September 8th dealing with just this issue. (New episodes of preschool math series PEG + CAT will also premiere that week.)

“Shelter From the Storm” (Parts 1 & 2) – premieres Tuesday, September 8

When a powerful hurricane hits Elwood City, everyone’s affected. Ladonna’s dad is called up by the Army Corps of Engineers. Muffy relocates to a shelter, while Arthur struggles to reunite lost pets and owners. And Brain seeks the help of a therapist — voiced by special guest Idina Menzel — to help him manage his anxiety. Educational objective: Arthur and friends realize the importance of family, friendship, and the support and compassion of others in times of crisis.

“A Storm in the Neighborhood/After the Neighborhood Storm” – premieres Tuesday, September 8

There’s a big storm coming to the Neighborhood. Daniel and his friends are a little frightened at first, but the grown-ups have a plan to keep everyone safe. / The big storm that came through the Neighborhood has passed. But now everything looks different, with leaves all over, trees knocked down and window shutters fallen — it’s a scary thing for Daniel and his friends to see. But they are comforted to know that everyone is safe and there are helpers everywhere, coming together to fix the Neighborhood. Strategy: Take a grown-up’s hand, follow the plan and you’ll be safe.

Digital resources will also be available online as tools to help parents discuss natural disasters and other frightening topics with kids.

Tips for Parents During and After an Emergency

• Keep yourself calm. Use your calmest and most reassuring voice when talking. Explain who will take care of them and keep them safe.
• Control children’s exposure to media before, during, and after the event. This is one way to manage images that might be scary or confusing for them.
• Listen carefully to what your children are talking about. Acknowledge their feelings. Give them the words to describe how they feel, such as, “It sounds like you’re feeling ‘scared’, ‘unsure about what’s going to happen next’, ‘sad’, ‘angry’.
• Do something your children enjoy, such as reading a book, playing a game, or telling a story.
• Give plenty of hugs!

Helpful Resources for Kids

• Watch helpful videos on what to do when something scary happens.
• Follow along with your favorite ARTHUR characters as they prepare for a storm.
• Children can draw pictures to show how they are feeling.

What other tips do you have to help kids through weather emergencies?