Tips for Teaching Children About Disasters

Nasutsa Mabwa

June 25, 2025

Disasters can be frightening, but teaching children how to recognize and respond to emergencies empowers them to stay safe. Discover essential tips from ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.

Why It’s Important to Teach Kids About Disasters

Disasters — whether fire, flood, storm, or other emergencies — can be terrifying for both children and adults. But educating kids early gives them the tools to understand what’s happening, respond appropriately, and reduce fear. A prepared child is more confident and safer when the unexpected strikes.

How to Talk to Children About Disasters

Explain Why You're Talking About It

Tell your kids:
“Today we’re learning about emergencies so we can be ready. That way, if something happens, we’ll know how to stay safe.”
Reinforce messages of safety and security. Keep the tone positive and age-appropriate so kids can process and retain what you’re teaching.

Be Honest — But Gentle

Children deserve truthful information. Acknowledge that disasters are serious, but avoid focusing on destruction or death. Use simple, reassuring language that helps them grasp the concept without overwhelming them.

Start By Listening

Ask your kids what they already know about disasters. This helps you correct misunderstandings and build on their knowledge. Let them express feelings or fears in a supportive space.

Offer Reassurance

It’s normal for kids to feel afraid. Let them know it’s okay to be scared, and remind them that adults—parents, teachers, firefighters, and police — are there to keep them safe.

Limit Graphic Content

Avoid showing disturbing photos or videos of disasters. For younger kids, choose educational animations or simple diagrams. Limit exposure to repetitive media coverage, which can be confusing and frightening.

Make It Hands-On

Kids learn best through play and activities. Try:

Practicing fire drills by crawling under imaginary smoke.
Building a model emergency kit together.
Using online games and videos that teach safety in a fun way.

- Recommended Resources:

Ready.gov Kids — Games and emergency prep tips
UNDRR Stop Disasters! — Interactive disaster simulation game
Sparky.org — Fire safety games and videos

Teach Them to Recognize Helpers

Explain who the first responders are and what they wear. Help children identify firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other helpers so they know who to trust during an emergency.

It’s OK to Say “I Don’t Know”

Kids ask tough questions! If you don’t know the answer, be honest. Let them know you’ll find out together, and follow up.

How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Supports Families After a Disaster

When disaster strikes your home, it can be just as stressful for your children as it is for you. Our team at ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons not only works to restore your property, but we’re sensitive to the emotional well-being of your family. We explain what we’re doing in kid-friendly terms and do everything possible to save cherished possessions and create peace of mind.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago in 1929, ServiceMaster is the nation’s oldest restoration brand. Locally, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has over 40 years of experience helping Chicagoland families and businesses recover from disasters.

We are:

IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorers
MBE/WBE certified
A Quality Restoration Vendor (QRV) for major insurance companies
Trusted experts in water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning

Call us at (773) 376-1110 or visit our website to learn more.

FAQ

Q: How young should kids be when you start teaching about disasters?
A: As young as preschool age! Start with basic safety concepts and build on them as your child grows.

Q: How can I make learning about disasters less scary?
A: Focus on fun activities like games, stories, and pretend drills. Emphasize empowerment rather than fear.

Q: What if my child gets anxious after a disaster?
A: Reassure them that they’re safe, listen to their concerns, and seek support if anxiety persists.

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

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