Teens: Natural Disaster Preparedness and Safety

Resources and Information for Teens
For Everyone

At a glance

If you're facing a natural disaster, be prepared by learning how to build an emergency kit, learning tips for staying safe at a disaster shelter, and building healthy coping strategies for dealing with stress.

Building your own emergency kit

Teen puts emergency kit items into a backpack.
Have an emergency "go kit" packed and ready to go.

Natural disasters can happen anywhere at any time. Whether you stay at home or go to a shelter, having an emergency “go kit” packed and ready to go means having what you need close by.

Staying at a disaster shelter

Teen boy is using a tablet while at a disaster shelter.
Learn tips for staying healthy and safe at a disaster shelter.

Staying in a shelter can be hard. You might feel stressed being away from home, school, and your regular routine. It’s important to take care of yourself and stay healthy.

Coping with stress

Silhouette of a teen outside during sunset, arms outstretched with thumbs up.
Learn healthy ways you can deal with stress after a natural disaster.

After a natural disaster, it’s normal to feel different and strong emotions. Feeling emotional, nervous, or having trouble sleeping and eating can all be normal reactions to stress. Here are some healthy ways you can deal with stress.

Finding a new normal

Four teens, Jaylon, Abby, Jaylon, and Mariana with the word finding a new normal: life after a natural disaster underneath.
Learn how to manage strong emotions as you find your new normal after a natural disaster.

Follow four teens—Abby, Alexis, Jaylon, and Mariana—as they talk about their experiences going through different natural disasters and what helped them feel better.

Resources for parents and professionals

Parent and teen smiling and embracing
Check out these resources to help teens cope after a natural disaster.

Parents, educators, and others who work with older children, teens, or young adults can share the resources on this website to help youth better cope after a natural disaster.