Extreme Weather Resources
Sesame Street in Communities
August 11, 2026
Sesame Workshop announced the launch of its new Extreme Weather response initiative to help children, families, and communities prepare for, cope with, and recover from extreme weather like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
The initiative launches with a new storm‑themed Sesame Street special premiering on Netflix and PBS KIDS on Monday, August 3, and on YouTube in September, along with View-and-Do activities and trusted educational resources to help families navigate whatever weather comes their way.
View-and-Do Family Guide
Weathering a Storm Together: Storm on Sesame StreetÂ
Not all days are sunny days… in fact, some can be pretty stormy. Watch Storm on Sesame Street wherever you get Sesame Street, then use this guide to extend the learning with parent tips and activities for children.
Videos
Grover Learns How to Stay Safe in a Blackout
A little preparation makes a big difference when a blackout happens. Watch this video with children, then talk about steps you can take as a family. Can you stock your pantry with some extra non-perishables or make sure you have flashlights with fresh batteries? Check out this Power-Safety Guide for more ideas!
Getting ready for emergencies as a family helps keep everyone safe. Involving little ones in preparation teaches them that your family has a plan and helps put their minds at ease. Watch this video in which Elmo and Louie prepare by making an emergency kit, stocking their pantry, and practicing important phone numbers, addresses, and names. Then, try out some preparedness strategies as a family! You might use this family guide to help make a plan.
Getting Ready for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season can come with a lot of uncertainty, but taking some time to prepare goes a long way toward helping your family stay safe.
- Watch together with children as Elijah explains to Wes what a hurricane is and they take steps to get ready as a family.
- If your area is affected by hurricanes, you might explain to children that a hurricane is a big storm with lots of wind and rain, but your family has a plan to stay safe.
- Then get children involved by preparing together.
If your family is recovering from a hurricane, you might explore this family guide for ways to comfort children.
Families that prepare together stay safe together! Watch Abby and Maggie prepare for wildfire season by making a go-bag and talking about their family’s plan to stay safe. For more ideas, check out this family guide.
Preparing for Tornado Season as a Family
Tornadoes happen unexpectedly, so it’s important to teach children how to move quickly to stay safe. Watch this video in which Elmo and Louie practice their safety plan, then think about what your family’s plan might look like. You might use this printable poster to help children practice the three-step safety strategy: Get In, Get Down, Cover Up.
Heatwave Safety with Wes and Elijah
Children love fun in the sun, but really hot days call for extra caution. Learn ways to stay cool and stay safe with Wes and Elijah. For more ideas on how to keep children safe in extreme heat, check out this article.
Bert and Ernie’s Blizzard Safety Strategies
Learn along with Bert and Ernie as they explore the snow safely. Then… check out this family guide for ideas on keeping children safe (and having fun!) during and after a blizzard.
Responding to Poor Air Quality
On low air quality days, spending more time inside helps keep children safer. Watch Maggie and Abby think up a fun (and safe!) plan on a day when there’s wildfire smoke near their home. What are some indoor activities your family could try? For safety tips and activity inspiration, check out this article.
The aftermath of an emergency is difficult, and sometimes the challenges last a long time. Little moments of care go a long way as your family recovers and adjusts.
You work hard to keep your family safe and comforted… especially after an emergency. Remember to take some time to care for you, too. Watch this video for some ideas and remember… you’re doing an amazing job.
Printables
What to Do in an Earthquake for Children
When children practice simple safety steps, they prepare for the unexpected and feel empowered to take action. Encourage children to try this three-step earthquake safety strategy with Grover and post this page where your family can see it and practice often.
What to Do in a Tornado for Children
Everyone can prepare for tornadoes, from a from a furry little monster to the youngest family member. Post this page where your family can see it often and practice this three-step safety strategy together.
What to Do in a Fire for Children
Families that prepare together stay safe together. Practicing what to do in the event of a fire empowers them to act fast. Post this page where your family can see it often and practice this safety strategy together.
Articles
How to Keep Children Cool in a Heatwave
The summer months mean sunshine, time off, and maybe some popsicles… but they can also bring extreme heat. A child’s body temperature rises 2-5 times faster than an adult’s, making it extra important to find ways to stay cool. Luckily, there are easy (and fun!) ways to make sure children cool down and stay safe as temperatures rise.
Ideas for Poor Air Quality Days
Outdoor time is a fun and important part of children’s routines, but some days are less safe for play than others. Due to their lung capacity, immune systems, and more active nature, children are particularly sensitive to poor air quality. Keeping track of and having a plan for poor air-quality days is an important way to keep little ones safe and healthy, and a little preparation goes a long way.
Earthquake Safety for Children
Earthquakes happen quickly and are often unexpected, but there are things the whole family can prepare and practice. Letting children know what to expect and how to act goes a long way toward soothing their worries and helping them stay safe.
Check out Sesame Street in Communities Emergencies Topic Page for more resources.