What is a cyclone? Explaining it to children
A cyclone is a big spinning storm with strong winds and lots of rain. It’s like a giant rainy day but much stronger. The good news is, we can stay safe by being prepared and having a plan in place!
Helping children feel safe before a cyclone
Talking About Cyclones in a Calm Way
- Explain that storms can be noisy, but we have strong homes to keep us safe.
- Use simple words like, “We’re ready, and we’ll be together the whole time.”
Making a Child’s Emergency Kit
Let your child help pack their own emergency kit with:
- Their favorite stuffed animal or blanket
- A small toy or book
- A torch (to make shadow puppets if the lights go out!)
- Snacks they love
- A water bottle with their name on it
Creating a Cyclone Plan Together
- Show your children where the safest spot in the house is.
- Practice a fun “cyclone drill” so they know what to do.
- Let them pick a family meeting spot in case you ever need to leave home.
Preparing for a Cozy Time Inside
- Gather pillows, blankets, and a few favorite books.
- Have a small battery-powered light for making a fun fort.
- Charge up a tablet or device with children’ shows and music.
- Create some indoor activities that you can do together as a family, like making play-doh, colouring in or painting activities etc.
Keeping children calm during a cyclone
Turn the Storm Into a Story
- Create a “brave explorer” game where the family is on an exciting adventure.
- Use a torch and make up a fun storm story.
Sing Songs or Play Games
- Have a “storm concert” with instruments like pots and pans.
- Play with your child and their toys to distract them from the storm.
Cuddle Time and Reassurance
- Hug your child and remind them, “We are safe together.”
- Answer their questions honestly but calmly.
What to do after the cyclone
Checking Outside Safely
- Ensure it is safe to leave your home, look out for fallen tree branches, furniture that may have moved, debris from the storm and fallen powerlines.
- Look at the clouds and see how the storm moved away.
Talking About Feelings
- Ask, “How did you feel during the storm?”
- Let the children draw a picture of their storm adventure.
Finding Something to Be Grateful For
- Have each family member say one happy thing about the day.
- Celebrate staying safe with a fun activity, like baking cookies or watching a favorite movie.
Helping children learn about storm safety
Make cyclone safety fun by:
- Watching child-friendly weather videos.
- Reading books about storms and brave characters.
- Playing “what would you do?” games about different weather situations.
Storms can be scary, but with a little preparation, children can feel safe and even turn the experience into an adventure. Keep things calm, stay together, and remind your little ones that they are loved and protected.
Children’s Health Queensland have a great video to share with children that explains what happens in a cyclone both before and after and addresses feelings and the sense of safety. You can watch it below!
Frequently asked questions
Give lots of hugs, use a soft voice, and remind them that they are safe. Playing games and storytelling can help too!
Use simple words: “A cyclone is a big storm with wind and rain. Our home is strong, and we have a plan to stay safe!”
Have a special cyclone box with fun activities like colouring books, small toys, and puzzles to keep them entertained.
Turn preparations into a game—let children help gather supplies and secure outdoor toys before the storm arrives.
Talk about their feelings, let them draw or play out their experiences, and focus on positive moments like family togetherness.
