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Supporting Families Through Emergencies

Sesame Street in Communities

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June 17, 2025

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Our partners at Sesame Street in Communities have developed resources to support community providers and caregivers who serve families and help children face challenges, big and small. When a natural disaster strikes, caregivers and providers look for the right thing to say or do. While there isn’t always an easy answer, there are ways you can show the children in your life that they’re safe and loved.  

 

Here for Each Other Emergency Response Family Guide 

You have each other. You bring your child comfort and make him feel safe. Your love helps him overcome obstacles. After an emergency, it is your support that soothes your child and allows him to see that everything is going to be okay. This family guide offers tips and activities to do with your child that offer comfort and assurance. 

Here for Each Other Family Guide: Wildfires 

Whether you’re directly impacted by a wildfire or living with the threat of wildfire around you, you have the power to soothe and comfort your child and help them feel safer. Meeting children’s questions with honesty lets them know that there are trusted grown-ups who will take care of them no matter what. Read this guide and explore ways to explain wildfires, remind children about all the people helping, and bring a little calm into your day.   

Support After a Hurricane or Other Emergency 

Hurricanes, storms, and other natural disasters can be difficult for young children who may not fully understand what’s going on around them. These tips, activities, and videos can help them feel safe, cope with emotions, and understand that there is hope for the future. 

Here for Each Other Video Segments 

Watch these videos together. Let your child know it’s good to ask you questions about what they see in the videos, and about everything that’s happening around them.  

 

Emergency Preparedness 

Packing a Family Emergency Kit 

Learn what goes into an emergency kit. After watching the video together, start building your own emergency kit. This can seem like a big job, but start by having kids help you find useful things that you already have.   

Knowing First and Last Names 

Help kids remember their caregivers' first and last names. Watch the video together, and help kids practice the whole names of all the grown-ups who take care of them. Together, write down your whole names (and those of any other important grown-ups who care for your child). Post your list somewhere kids can see and quiz each other each day. 

Talking to Children About Emergencies 

It’s hard to know what to say when talking to children about emergencies. You don’t want to worry them, but it’s important for the whole family to know they can work together to be prepared. These tips will help you talk to children about emergencies, while calming their worries. 

 

Comfort Messages 

Offering Comfort in Scary Times 

Watch the video together and let kids know it’s good to ask questions about the [scary or confusing] things happening around them.   

Talking About "Big Feelings" 

Encourage kids to talk about their big feelings. 

Emergency Helpers 

Remind kids that there's always someone helping. 

 

For more resources visit https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/. 

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