MSU Extension Severe Weather & Natural Disasters

Family

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  When the sirens sound: Talking with children about severe weather

  Published on July 9, 2025
  Unpredictable storms, loud thunder and flashes of lightening can be scary to children! Take time when the skies are clear to talk with your children about severe weather.

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  Look for the helpers: Talking with young children about tragedy

  Published on July 7, 2025
  “When I was a boy and I would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” — Fred Rogers

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  Keep children busy indoors when it’s too hot to play outside

  Published on June 23, 2025
  Sometimes it’s just too hot for kids to play outside. Explore a few suggestions to keep your child from becoming bored while waiting for a heat wave to pass.

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  Tips to help children emotionally survive a natural disaster

  Published on June 18, 2025
  Strategies to help children emotionally cope with the devastation of natural disasters.

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  Strategies to cope with family stress

  Published on July 25, 2024
  Eight practical tips to guide you and your family when dealing with everyday stress and crisis situations.

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  Protecting your septic system after a flood

  Published on August 28, 2023
  With one in five U.S. households depending on septic systems to treat their wastewater, knowing how to protect your system after a major flood could save your system from expensive repairs.

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  Nine key financial strategies for recovery after a disaster

  Published on June 14, 2023
  Tools and resources to help homeowners and renters make financial decisions.

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  Be prepared: Create a family emergency plan

  Published on June 26, 2020
  Disasters can occur any time or place. Be ready with a family emergency plan—preparation is vital to safety and well-being.

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  MSU Extension Farm Stress Program partners to connect farmers with mental health services

  Published on April 14, 2020
  Farmers can now access counseling with licensed therapists via teletherapy.

• Ways to deal with major crisis stress

  Published on November 13, 2017
  Crisis happens less frequently but can cause a lot of stress.

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  Suggestions for talking with children about tragedies and violence

  Published on October 6, 2017
  Discover age-specific suggestions that can help guide conversations with children during and after tragedies.

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  Helping children build resiliency amidst trauma and pain

  Published on November 1, 2015
  Eight steps that build resilience in the face of trauma, pain and stress.

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  Youth can play an important role in disaster preparedness and recovery

  Published on October 16, 2014
  Involving youth in disaster planning and recovery can increase their awareness of hazardous situations that may occur in their neighborhood and teach them how to respond in various types of emergencies.

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  Helping children and teens learn to deal with stress

  Published on June 2, 2014
  Children and teens deal with just as much stress as adults. Adults can help by teaching youth skills to deal with stress in healthy, positive ways.

• Tips for animal owners to help beat the heat

  Published on July 15, 2013
  Help your animals safely beat the summer heat by following a few simple steps.