Supporting Infants And Young Children Around FLOODS

Before a flood:

Having a safe, stable, and supportive relationship serves as a protective factor for children who are later impacted by floods.

Regularly review your flood plan with parents and keep updated contact information. Keep your flood plan updated and regularly check your supply of water.

What childcare providers might say or do:

  • (for young children) Use your lesson plan on weather to teach children about floods. Explain, “Rainwater is good for the earth. It gives the plants and animals water they need. Sometimes when it rains a lot and the rain comes down really fast, there can be too much water, and there is a flood. If we ever have a flood and water got in our building, we’d go to the big school down the street to stay safe and dry.” Pause throughout to listen to any remarks, respond to questions, and clarify any misinformation.*

During a flood:

Always check in with yourself first. If you feel overwhelmed or frozen, pause and take a deep breath (or use whatever strategy works for you) so that you can effectively follow your flood emergency plan. Call for help if you need it.

It is important to talk to children even before they understand the words. Talk about what is going on around them. In times of danger, assure them you are there to keep them safe.  

  • Be honest.

  • Use simple language that is appropriate for the children’s ages.

  • Let children know what is happening next.

How you speak to children is as important as the words you use. Children respond to your volume and tone of your voice. They notice your emotions, facial expressions, and body language.

What childcare providers might say or do:

  • (for an infant) “I’m going to pick you up and put you in your car seat. We’ll get in the van and go to a place where it’s safe and dry.”*

  • (for young children) “It’s raining really hard and fast. There is a flood warning, and we need to go where it’s safe and dry. Everyone go to your cubbies and get your bags and then line up. I think the loud thunder can be a little scary. Let’s all take a big belly breath and then we’ll walk together to the van.”*

Pay attention to what you say to other adults even when you do not think children are listening.

After a flood:

Infants and young children will share their thoughts and feelings through behavior, emotions, play, and, when they are able, language. Watch and listen closely. Expect that some children will show emotion and behavior dysregulation. Be available to provide support.

Remember that it is ok, and even helpful, to talk about what happened. When children hear adults talking about experiences and feelings, they know they can too.

Children who have had their personal lives or normal routines impacted are more likely to show reactions following a flood.  Notice times when children are reminded of the flood. It is not always possible to know, but common reminders include thunder, lightning, sirens, dark, windy, or rainy days, wet clothes, broken or messed up toys, or when someone is late to pick them up.

What childcare providers might say or do:

  • (for an infant) “You hear thunder like you did when it flooded. Let’s sing a song.” You sing your or the baby’s favorite song about rain.*

  • (for young children) “I wonder if this rain and wind scare you because you remember when it rained so much that our building flooded, and our toys got all ruined.” Pause, listen, and ask questions. Correct any misinformation. “This storm sounds loud and scary, but it’s a regular storm. We can play inside and stay warm and dry and safe.”*

As much as possible, keep regular structure and routines while expecting that children may need extra attention and reassurance.

Communicate with children’s parents/caregivers. Listen to parents’ concerns and share any concerns you have. Work together to find ways to best support the child.

*Note: These are examples. Use your own words and describe your own plan.

Flood Resources for Childcare Providers

Flood Resources to Share with Familes:

Flood Resources to Share with Children: Review the resources with parents prior to sharing them with children.

Sample Parent/Guardian Emergency Contact Information form from Tennessee Department of Human Services. Scroll down to: Child Care Agency Emergency Preparedness Template. https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/child-care-services/child-care-resources-for-providers/child-care-emergency-preparedness.html