You Can Help Students Feel Safe During Unpredictable Weather

By MSW, LCSW, CTRS Missy Johnson

Last spring, as a Youth First Mental Health Professional working in several schools, I
received several referrals to support students – of all ages – who felt nervous and
worried about storms. Weather events like tornadoes, strong winds, and heavy rain can
be very scary for kids, especially after hearing sirens or seeing and hearing about storm
damage on the news.
As weather patterns become more unpredictable, damaging tornadoes and other
severe storms are an increasing concern in Indiana. According to the Indiana
Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather Service, Indiana averages
about 22 tornadoes each year and has recorded over 1,500 tornadoes since 1950,
resulting in thousands of injuries and many lives lost. This can increase anxiety for
youth and their families.
 
Many students I supported last year shared common anxiety symptoms related to
storms, including racing thoughts, fast heartbeat, stomachaches, trouble sleeping, fear
of being separated from their families or caregivers, and difficulty focusing. Most
students openly shared that they became immediately upset and fearful if they heard
storm sirens or even heard someone say the word “tornado.” Even if there was no
immediate weather danger, students openly reported that their bodies and minds
remained on “high alert” after severe storms caused damage in and around the Tri-
State area last year.
 
These reactions reported by students match what many youth experts describe as
anxiety in children, where fear shows up in both the body and the mind. Anxiety related
to storms can make some youth feel unsafe when they are away from parents or
caregivers. They may need constant reassurance from trusted adults that they are
safe. 
Weather-related anxiety can also affect students academically. When children are
worried about their own safety or that of their loved ones, it becomes harder to pay
attention, remember lessons, or complete schoolwork. Some students struggle more on
test days or during group activities when storms are predicted. Over time, ongoing
stress can interfere with learning and classroom engagement.
 
Parents and caregivers play an important role in how children react to storms. While
adults want to keep kids safe, repeatedly checking the weather on their phones or on

the news, talking about worst-case scenarios, or showing visible fear can significantly
increase a child’s anxiety. According to research by Katie A. McLaughlin, children tend
to feel more distressed when their caregivers also show high levels of worry during or
after severe weather events. Adults should keep in mind that children are always
watching. 
Social media can also raise anxiety. While it is sometimes hard to avoid constant
exposure to weather-related alerts or notifications, dramatic images and nonstop
coverage can make storms (or threats of potential storms) feel overwhelming. Limiting
children’s access to news and offering calm, age-appropriate explanations can help
reduce fear.
Another helpful way for families and schools to support students is to have a clear
emergency plan for inclement weather and review it regularly. Knowing where to go,
what alerts mean, and what steps to follow helps children feel more prepared, in control,
and safe.
 
Creating a safe space for emergencies can also make a big difference. Along with usual
safety items like flashlights, a radio, water, and batteries, families can include books,
card games, board games, favorite stuffed animals, headphones, and snacks. These
comforting items not only distract kids (and adults) but also help calm their bodies and
remind them they are safe. Limiting time spent checking weather alerts, along with
playing games, listening to music, or reading together, can help make stressful
moments during unpredictable weather feel more manageable.
 
By staying calm, planning, and teaching healthy coping skills, families and schools can
help students feel safer, more confident, and ready to learn—even during stormy
weather.