Sesame Street is introducing a new episode and accompanying resources designed to help young children and their families understand and cope with the impacts of extreme weather events. Titled 'Storm on Sesame Street,' the initiative aims to provide age-appropriate guidance and support for dealing with environmental stressors such as heat waves and poor air quality.
The program includes a printed and digital storybook intended to help children process the loss of cherished items due to extreme weather. Additionally, Sesame Street will offer articles and activities focused on supporting children and families experiencing environmental challenges. To assist during evacuations or displacement, "go bags" containing essential items will be distributed.
Experts view this effort as a significant step in preparing children for extreme weather, a topic many Americans feel ill-equipped to handle. A 2025 survey by Talker Research indicated that while 90% of adults consider extreme weather preparedness critical, only 46% had an emergency plan in place.
The episode is designed to open communication channels about these events in a way that children can understand. Adam Rainear, an associate professor of communication and media at West Chester University specializing in climate communications, commented that the episode strikes a balance. "It's giving the messaging so that kids are aware and alert, but also not making them afraid of everything around them," he stated. The narrative features characters like Elmo and Abby acknowledging fear but focusing on courage. When Elmo's courage falters during a power outage, his father offers encouragement and a calming exercise.